Success: Chili Contest Sells Out

Seminole Heights resident Jonathan Rae beat out 13 other competitors to win the first annual chili cook-off at the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market.

As one of the three contest judges, I can tell you that Rae’s Green River Chili had wonderful flavor, a great aroma and a rich, well-seasoned gravy. I wanted to keep eating it, and his entry truly deserved the $100 first place prize.

Second place went to Atif Siddiqi, and third place was won by Laura Glover.

Tickets for the “People’s Choice” tastings sold out quickly and the lineup of eager eaters was dozens deep in front of Hillsborough High School’s front doors before the ladles began serving up the selections.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award, Irene Couture of Seminole Heights, donated her $25 prize back to the Market’s scholarship fund, which will be awarded to a Hillsborough High School senior in May.

The other two judges were Publix manager Chuck Kaelin and The Refinery chef and owner Greg Baker.

Here's Rae's winning recipe:

Green River Chili

Sauté 3/4 lbs diced bacon in bottom of large stock pot until cracklings are golden brown.  Remove with slotted spoon.

In drippings, sauté briefly:

• 2 lbs coarsely ground round steak
• 10 to 12 large cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
• 3 large onions

Add:

• 1 - 12oz bottle dark beer (stir until foam disappears)

• 1- 28-oz cans of whole tomatoes crush by hand in pot

• 2 - 16-oz cans kidney beans, with juice

Simmer for three hours covered; stir occasionally to keep from sticking.  

Season to taste with:

• Salt and ground pepper
• Red pepper sauce

Serve with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.