Although it is a competition, it is a friendly one. Everyone enjoys sampling the delicious varieties of chili at the Cook County Chili Cook-Off. And no one minded—too much—that Steve and Deb Veit, with help from Brandon and Amy Seitz, took first place. They are pictured in the middle of the front row with the Chili Cook-Off traveling trophy. The delectable chili and the hard work are for a good cause. Proceeds benefit the Coldwater Foundation, a nonprofit youth leadership program with an outdoor focus and the Violence Prevention Center’s educational programs.
Despite a last-minute change of location, the 5th annual Cook County Chili Cook-Off was a great success on Saturday, April 5 with about 150 people coming out to sample 11 mouthwatering chili offerings at the Evangelical Free Church.
The judges selected the grilled pork loin chili prepared by Steve and Deb Veit and Brandon and Amy Seitz for 1st place. Although the chili was delicious, the cooks took a bit of ribbing about their sponsor— North Shore Superior Pest Management. They good-humoredly listened to some corny pest control jokes all day and walked off with bragging rights once again. Deb and Steve have claimed first and second place in previous chili competitions.
Coming in second was Coldwater Foundation, which prepared a unique green garden chili.
And in third place was last year’s winning team, the Fenwicks with another scrumptious family specialty, a pot of Hawaiian chili.
Those in attendance at the chili feed not only got to sample the various flavors of chili, they got to vote for their favorite. Earning the People’s Choice award was the chili prepared by the Block Family.
Proceeds of the event go toward scholarships for Coldwater Foundation, a nonprofit youth leadership development program with an outdoor focus and the Violence Prevention Center educational programs.
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