It seems like every family has its “best recipe ever” for something – chocolate chip cookies, the Thanksgiving turkey, Grandma’s mashed potatoes.

Chili is definitely one of those foods that takes a skilled cook, lots of trial and error and numerous family get-togethers to perfect the recipe.

The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its fourth annual Chili Cook-Off Tuesday afternoon in downtown Buchanan.

Thirty teams presented their best recipes at businesses for the public to taste-test.
The event is free to everyone.

Chamber Executive Director Monroe Lemay was nice enough to ask Leader Publications to be one of the judges for its media-themed panel, and I had the privilege of representing our company.

The cook-off had four categories: best overall, people’s choice, best name and most exotic.

I love chili – I think it would be pretty difficult to be a judge for a chili contest and not like chili – and I love hot food and never have qualms about eating it.

However, try 30 distinctly unique recipes in a two-hour span and your body may begin to revolt.

The turnout was amazing for the event, as all ages walked downtown in the enjoyable weather to taste the recipes and chat with their local business people.

The contest was no holds barred. It wasn’t just a contest of who could make the spiciest chili, like you see with some cook-offs.

One coffee shop made a chili with coffee and cocoa powder, another team used one ingredient for each letter of the alphabet. The Chamber staff concocted a recipe using the Red Bull energy drink.

All of the participants got an “A” for effort as everyone from trained chefs to chili connoisseurs readied their Crock Pots for the competition.

Even children helped out; the judges noted the cute kids who helped out at the chili “sundae” table, where they topped mashed potatoes with chili and cheese.

The judges tried all the chilis (well almost – a few competitors ran out of chili before the judges reached them), and deliberated to announce the winners.

It was close – really close.

In fact, we suggested the Chamber consider naming a second and third place next year. But best overall award (which is actually a ladle trophy) went to Police Chief Bill Marx’s “Big Cedar Hollow” chili. Most exotic went to the chili sundae entry and the best name was given to the Toyota Hybrid chili.

Other great chilis that should be noted came from the kitchens of Wheatberry, Hilltop and the Moose Lodge.

All participants should be congratulated for their efforts.

The event was a great showcase of the Buchanan community and downtown businesses, and the Chamber should be applauded for its organizational efforts and enthusiasm.

Now, where are my Rolaids?

Katie Johnson is managing editor of the Niles Daily Star, Cassopolis Vigilant and Edwardsburg Argus. She can be reached at (269) 683-7713 or at katie.johnson@leaderpub. com.