Chili cooks to face off at annual cook-off

Though outdoor temperatures might be chilly, Harlem hopes to heat things up with chili on Saturday at the city's fifth annual Mayor's Chili Challenge.

//

Amateurs, professionals and anyone with an outstanding chili recipe is invited to pit their chili blend against others for the first place and People's Choice title, said Denise Carter, an event organizer.

In 2009, the Smokin' Chili Cops, of Gainesville, Ga., took the top prize for the second consecutive year.

The event, held in the parking lot next to the Laurel and Hardy Museum, offers a great variety of chilies for the public to sample for the People's Choice Award.

Samples, which also buy a People's Choice vote, cost 50 cents and bowls of chili cost $2.

Cooks can join the competition for a $25 entry fee up until the morning of the cook-off. Ingredients cannot be precooked, with the exception of canned or bottled tomatoes, tomato sauce, peppers, pepper sauce, beverages, broth and ground or mixed spices.

Cooking begins at 9 a.m., though many cooks arrive early to begin chopping, dicing and otherwise preparing for the three-hour cook time. Cooks must have 2 quarts of chili ready for the judges and 2 gallons for the People's Choice Award. Judging starts at noon.

Proceeds from the cook-off go to the Harlem museum.

For information, contact Carter at (706) 556-0043.

On the same day as the chili cook-off, the Harlem Merchants Association will play host to the Merchants Walk for Relay.

The fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life starts at 10 a.m. It costs $25 to enter, and all participants get a "Fight Like a Girl" T-shirt.

Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. Registration forms are available at The Acorn Restaurant at Red Oak Manor, Landrum's Flowers and Gifts, and My Sister's Loft, all on North Louisville Street at West Forrest Street.

IF YOU GO

What: Fifth annual Mayor's Chili Challenge

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Lot beside the Laurel and Hardy Museum of Harlem

Cost: Free admission, but chili samples cost 50 cents each and bowls cost $2 each

More: Call (706) 556-0043