The weather is turning cooler. Good Golly! The low temperature on Thursday is to be 41 degrees. Autumn is truly on its way.
With the chill in the air comes a hankering for chili. Yes, chili … that delectable concoction of meat, tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. Serve it with crunchy chips, crisp crackers, or some tasty cornbread. Top it off with cheese or sour cream and you have a meal that is simplistic in its composition, yet complex in its satisfaction. It tickles the tongue and fills both the belly and soul with delight. The aroma of a big, steaming pot of chili on the stove brings the anticipation of cozy comfort and contentment to the home.
Traditional chili is a beef-based dish, but chicken, turkey, and even more exotic meats such bison or wild boar can spiff it up. Meatless chili tempts the palate of vegetarians. A variety of beans are often added for a hearty touch. The tomatoes may be omitted to produce a creamy “white” chili. Jalapeno, poblano, or even the over-the-top habanero peppers are infused to fire up your taste buds. Some chefs create unique signature chili by using honey, fruit, corn, chocolate, or even bourbon. Toss it all in there. It’s all good!
So, do you make great chili? Have you ever wondered how your recipe stacks up against other chili aficionados? Do you like to have fun? Don’t give away your secrets, but you might want to consider entering the 3rd Annual Bridge Day Chili and Cornbread Cook-off. Chili tasting and voting will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 15, 2011 in downtown Fayetteville. Live music will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the Awards Ceremony will be at 6:00 p.m. There are categories for professional and amateur chili cooks, and traditional and non-traditional cornbread bakers. Don’t wait too long because the deadline to enter the competition is September 30th. For additional details about the cook-off and how to enter the competition, contact the Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau at 304-574-1500.
It\’s almost time for chili in chilly Fayetteville, West Virginia. Don’t miss the fun!