Versatile chili is the perfect candidate for a cook-off.
With its many variations, chili is an ideal choice for competitions. No two cooks prepare their chili the same way, and every cook has her own version of the "best" chili with its own special ingredients. A chili cook-off can determine just who deserves those bragging rights for The Best Chili.
Instructions
Preparing for the Cook-Off
1. Determine the scope of the event. An informal cook-off between family and friends at a home is the simplest gathering. Expand the number of participants and spectators and create a fun fundraiser for an organization or a charity. For larger events, establish an entry or spectator fee, if any, and the amount.
2. Specify categories for judging. Options might include red chili, white chili, mild or hot, vegetarian or con carne, most creative ingredients, presentation and best tasting.
3. Select criteria for judging. These might include flavor, heat, consistency, aroma and presentation.
4. Decide on and purchase prizes for the high scores. The awards might be trophies, ribbons or medals, cash, gift certificates or merely bragging rights.
5. Research venues or outdoor locations for large-scale contests. Multiple electrical outlets will be necessary to either cook or warm the chili. The space must be large enough to accommodate contestants, judges and spectators.
6. Consult the local municipality and determine whether permits are required for large contests.
7. Schedule a date and reserve the venue. Consider conflicting events and participant availability. While working on timing, also chart the program timetable, from opening to tasting to judging to the awards ceremony.
8. Send out invitations or advertise for participating cooks. If advertising, screen applications and get references. It is food, after all.
9. Advertise to the public or within your organization, if that's the chosen route.
10. Find judges of different ages and backgrounds, if possible, or for a small party, have the group judge the entries. Inquire whether any have food allergies.
11. Appoint someone to tally the judges' votes.
On the Day of the Cookoff
12. Require that contestants post notices if any common food allergens are used, such as dairy, peanuts, nuts, eggs, fish, soy or wheat.
13. Assign each entry a random number to allow for anonymity during the judging process. Keep track of these numbers.
14. Provide each judge with a different spoon for each entry. Place palate cleansers such as corn chips, tortillas, tortilla chips or crackers at the judges' table.
15. After the judging is complete, have the appointed auditor tally the votes.
16. Announce the winners and award the prizes.
17.Get recipes!
Tags: bragging rights, each entry, might include
