Some like it hot.
But just as many prefer a milder variation.
That’s why maintenance man O’Larry Collins tied Chester Tyrakowski in Monday afternoon’s first Cedar Sands chili cookoff.
Residents entered five pots of chili, plus corn bread in pans sliced in squares, in paper wrappers like cupcakes and even elongated like breadsticks.
Shirley Williams’ cornbread with white corn meal captured the most votes.
Hot sauce consolation prizes were awarded to Earle Sears, whose sloppy joe chili can be ladled on a bun rather than into a bowl, and Jim Smith, whose secret ingredient was “deer burger. My son’s got a freezer full and there’s no grease in it.”
Collins clearly concocted the spiciest broth, with peppers giving it a sneaky afterburn and matching the patterned red chilis decorating the chef’s hat that was part of his prize.
Tyrakowski won in the cornbread category as well as for his “tangy” chili.
Since becoming manager in October, Marcia Steffens plans a monthly group activity.
In November, she cooked a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. December’s Christmas dinner featured pork tenderloin. For Valentine’s Day there will be a party with desserts.
Thirty-one of the 32 apartments arrayed in four wings on Riverside Drive are occupied.
Residents must be 62 years old or disabled.