The Big Cook-Off

As we're now full swing into "fallter" (my new term for that time between fall and winter), the leaves are turning amber bock brown, there is a crispness in the air and a definite need to warm your innards with some good old comfort food. Now I'm not talking pb&j sandwiches, or mac & cheese but man-type comfort food .... food that is served hot, warms your lips and on the way down, warms you from inside out. You guessed it ... CHILI . That eclectic concoction of wondrously delicious ingredients that is thought to be a purely Texan creation but consumed across the land.

With recipes numbering in the hundreds, chili has grown into one of America's staples for the table. Usually made with some combination of beef, tomatoes, beans, onions, and of course chili peppers; many other edible additives can be tossed in to 'make it special'.

Though purest (the old saying goes "if you know beans about chili you know chili ain't got no beans") would reject the use of beans in this sumptuous brew, many cooks have advanced to add these little 'noise makers'. Be they hot ... mild ... white ... black ... Navy ... beans are a great filler that add new flavor and color to the mix.
























So 'fallter' is upon us here in southwestern Michigan and the remaining few us here at Cousins RV park decided to have a chili cook-off contest. Hosts Hal and Mary organized the affair and there were 6 contestants entered in this 1st Annual Chili Cook-off. As contest time grew near, the normally loquacious cooks were as tight-lipped as a CIA spy. With only a fleeting mention of a secret ingredient now and again, (did I hear oatmeal or chicken or cumin or noodles or even peanut butter?) ... the tension built as we approached the day of judgement.

With anticipation peaked, we all headed with pot and crock-pot in hand and a dish to pass to the clubhouse. Hal and & Mary had everything laid out with gold medals and trophies. A really nice touch on their part.

The steaming crucibles of love and joy were anonymously labeled and small tasting cups and spoons were placed in front for all to taste what the cooks had created. About 20 votes were cast and we anxiously waited the results. I might say that after trying each one of them, anyone one of them would be welcome at my dinner table. So the voters had their work cut out for them.
























The the tasting was done ... the counting was over ... there was finally a declared winner. No hanging chads or dangling participles either. Our 2009 Chile Cook-Off Queen was none other than my wife Sharon. Used to only winning on an occasional scratch-off lottery ticket, she managed to beat the professionals here in the park. I'm so proud.

The 2009 Cousins Chili Champions

Celebrations followed starting off with Mary's homemade 'apple tini's'. A wickedly sweet yet powerful brew that quickly vanished after a round or two of toasts to all the champions.

Being with good friends and neighbors makes any occasion worthwhile. This final gathering at Cousins for the 2009 camping season was however a little bittersweet. As each of us head our separate ways for the winter, we'll all miss each other but will have fond memories of all the neat things we did this past summer.

As for the Chili Queen and I ... we will be heading south soon. Meandering toward the Gulf coast once again to escape the winter and find another undiscovered shrimp bar.

Stick around and follow our travels. Leave a comment now and again so we know what you're thinking.

On the road again soon and still livin' the dream.

Phil