HillBilly Chili Cook-Off

[nonblonde007]

I went with my teen son to the Arkansas State Championship HillBilly Chili Cook-Off in Bull Shoals today. What a Blast! (on way to many levels ) This was my first time attending one of these events, and I completely enjoyed myself. There were live bands, vendors, raffles and hundreds of people. And of course, there was chili. We sampled the entrys of all twenty competitors, and frankly, I wasn't impressed by any of them. They all lacked in salt and heat, many of the ones with beans were nearly raw, and most were entirely tasteless. Several of the entrants told me that they were told to "dumb down" the samples for the public, believing that our delicate palates would be offended by actual flavor. I have honestly had better chili from a can, any can. Has anyone here ever entered one of these contests? I would love to learn if there are restrictions to heat and seasonings, and what the insider feelings are on this. I took pics of the event, but unfortunately, my batteries died just before the chili started. I do have a couple of really culturally entertaining pics for you tho.

You just Gotta Love the Ozarks!!!!

(edited to try and figure out my pic problem)

Edited September 16, 2007 by nonblonde007 (log)

[BarbaraY]

Chili cook-offs are fun. I haven't entered one for sometime but once won in the salsa category.

I can't imagine being told to dumb down the chili but I have tasted some pretty bad ones.

[Daniel Rogov]

Sounds like great fun. The chili competition par excellence though has got to be the annual one at Terralingua, Texas - fantastic chili, unbelievable amount of tequila and beer consumed and for those who like such things, even a wet t-shirt contest.

The only chili competition I know of that draws food writers from Europe, the Middle-East and even Japan and China - indeed a four day "blast"