Inaugural Chili Cook-Off at Robe-Ann Park Saturday

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

It is fall, and to many people, fall means football and chili.

To help celebrate that, the Greencastle Park and Recreation Department is sponsoring the inaugural Robe-Ann Park Chili Cook-off Saturday, Sept. 28 at the park.

The Chili Cook-Off will have three categories to enter (and taste):

-- Traditional Red Chili -- any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients, with the exception of beans and pasta. This is the style most chili enthusiasts think of when you mention chili, and the staple of most chili contests.

-- Chili Verde -- any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with green chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients (with the exception of beans and pasta). A southwest twist on traditional red chili.

-- Home-style Chili -- this is the cook's favorite combination of ingredients resulting in a dish seasoned with chili peppers and spices. Can include beans, rice or pasta. It is what most of our parents called chili. Some families think it must include macaroni or spaghetti, some put a "secret ingredient." While many believe it should be like soup, others think the consistency of stew. This is the category for those with the best "secret family recipe."

The inaugural Chili Cook-off will be this Saturday at Robe-Ann Park. Registrations are due by Wednesday and can be picked up at Greencastle City Hall, the Putnam County Public Library (children's section), the Putnam County Museum, Dr. Park Firebaugh's Office, Greencastle Pediatric Dentistry, or on line at www.cityofgreencastle.com or by emailing request to tscott@cityofgreencastle.com. A set of rules is available on the back side of the registration.

Entry fee for contestants is $10 per creation. Tasting will be available by donation. Chili contestants should register by Wednesday, Sept. 25 and be at Robe-Ann Park by noon Saturday.

Tasting will begin at 12:30 p.m. with awards to follow.

All three categories will be judged for a winner. The overall grand champion will win a two-night package at the Plainfield Staybridge Inn and Suites.

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