I don’t mean to brag or anything, but I make a darn good chili. Not too spicy, not too sweet…the perfect amount of beans, meat and veggies…my mouth is watering just writing about it. Don’t believe me? Well, I’m not the only one who thinks it is amazing, my friends do, too. And I have the chili cookoff award to prove it! Want to prove your dominance in the kitchen? Then follow my easy tips on how to host a chili cookoff:
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Keep the party to 10 chili submissions total…any more and no one will remember what they tasted, not to mention that your plumbing will take a serious hit after all of the bathroom visits. Seriously.
Remember that simple is best. After all, your party is all about chili so that should be the highlight. Don’t go overboard with appetizers or desserts. A simple veggie tray or charcuterie board as an appetizer and a platter of cookies for dessert will suffice.
Prep enough toppings for even the pickiest chili connoisseur. I simply put out a small bowl of each and let people help themselves. Some topping suggestions:
Green onions/chives
Sour cream
Oyster crackers
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cubes of cornbread
Cooked macaroni noodles
Stock up on cups and spoons. Stay clear of Styrofoam and instead head to your local Dollar Store/Tree/General and get plain paper cups. No need to color code to organize each round or batch of chili…because seriously, who has time for that?!?!
Create tasting cards. It is very simple and easy to do on your computer. Tip: Print on cardstock so it is easiest to write on.
Have a big sign for people to put their votes on. We typically use a big chalkboard or poster board. Don’t let people vote for themselves because that’s just lame.
Designate one person to scoop the chili into the cups (sorry, this person can’t vote) and pass around to the party. Try to be as secretive as possible so no one knows which chili is which. If possible, try to have the tasting in a separate room from where the pots of chili are.
Try to limit each round to 10 minutes or else it will be a REALLY long night.
Give away a fun prize to the winners. We have been having our chili cookoff for four years, and the prize that changes each year is a silver toilet plunger, along with a side of Pepto Bismol.
Looking for my amazing, award winning chili recipe? Too bad! I’m not sharing! 😉
Looking for other party planning tips?
You know what the best part of a chili cook off is? No matter which cook gets the prize, EVERYONE wins. Because we all get chili. 😉
Where I used to work would do one of these. It was so FUN!
Sara
http://www.thelegallybrunette.com
Hosting a chili cook off would be a blast!! I love these tips, I now my husband is big into trying new chilis and flavor combinations.
That sounds like something I would do with my family. We all make chili just a little different. Of course I think mine is the best.
Well of course…doesn’t everyone think theirs is the best?
These are great post, I’m sure my hubby would love this chili cook off
Sounds like a lot of fun! Wondering if our neighborhood would be receptive to one in the future.
Who wouldn’t want to get together to eat yummy food when the weather is bad? Sounds like a no brainer to me!
Chili is one of my most favorite meals. I would love to go to one and try everyone’s out.
It’s such a yummy way to hang out with friends!
I haven’t ever hosted a chili cookoff. I think it would be fun to sample all of the different varieties.
It’s so interesting how people come up with such different varieties…onions, no onions, sweet, hot…the options are endless!
I chili cookoff sounds like such a fun time. I love your prizes for the winner.
Toilet plunger for the win!
I’ve never been to a chili cook off nor hosted one before. As someone that makes more than my fair share all winter long, I think it would be a blast to host one.
It’s a really fun and yummy way to hang out with friends when the weather is gross.
MY chili still need some improvement! I do hope you share your award winning chili recipe
I just love chili. I have never been to a chili cook off. It sounds like fun!
It’s a really fun way to party!
Great idea!