Competitors ready their recipes for chili cook-off at American Legion
Feb. 15—Cassie Pence is so proud of her chili making skills that she happily displays in her home the golden thumbs up participation trophy from last year's chili cook-off at the American Legion Post 111 in Newton. But the chili connoisseur is setting high expectations for herself at this year's contest and wants a top-three finish.
Although she is keeping the recipe top secret, the name she has given her concoction, "Cool Beans," should give some hints. Of course, some chili purists will scoff at the thought of adding beans to their batches, but Pence is not letting those sentiments affect her contest entry one bit.
"They're wrong!" she said with a laugh. "It really doesn't matter what you put in your chili. As long as it's that good, thick, hearty stew. And it has beans."
American Legion Post 111 held its fifth annual chili cook-off Feb. 19 at its 101 W. Fourth St. St. facility in Newton. In addition to serving bowls of hot chili to guests, the cook-off acted as a fundraiser for the American Legion. Proceeds from the cook-off will directly benefit repairs to the American Legion's roof and parking lot.
American Legion Post will host its annual chili cook-off at 5 p.m. Feb. 18 at its headquarters, 1101 W. Fourth St. S., in Newton. Guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat chili for a $5 admission; children under age 12 can eat for free. Hot dogs and cinnamon rolls will also be available for separate purchases.
Door and raffle prizes will be distributed to those who purchase an admission ticket. Attendees must be present to win.
The theme for the cook-off this year is the 1970s. Judging the chili in the cook-off will be the attendees themselves. Contestants who paid a $10 entry fee will be competing for bragging rights, trophies and a cash prize. First place wins $100, second place wins $50, third place wins $50 and best table display wins $35.
Pence competed in the cook-off for the first time in 2022 with her Peanut Butter Porter Chili, which was made with craft beer from Lake Time Brewery and tender brisket. It was so exciting to compete last year, she said, and to be surrounded by people who are just as enthusiastic about chili as she is.
"It was so much fun," she said. "I cannot get over the environment. On one side of the table, you've got all the hungry folks. On the other side of the table, you got folks that are satisfied by seeing their people fed and enjoying their food. The dynamic is fun!"
Serving as a fundraiser for the American Legion, the chili cook-off has proven to be a popular winter event for the organization. In addition to the competition side, the cook-off lets people gather to help the community and support veterans in a more relaxed and fun way.
"The objective is not to win — it's to support," Pence said.
Which in a roundabout way is still a win for the veterans of Newton and Jasper County. Pence is not a veteran, but she has loved ones who are. She wants to support them in any way she can. If it means cooking up a huge pot of chili for folks to enjoy, well that's right up her wheelhouse.
"That I can do!" she said.
As the competition draws closer, Pence is just excited to help a worthy cause and see what other chili makers have in store. How many will decide to have a creative take on the beloved dish? How many will stick to what they believe is the "classic" approach? Pence is even thinking about making two batches of chili.
In addition to her bean-filled chili, Pence wants to introduce a smaller serving of a hot and spicy chili made with five different kinds of peppers. It would not be for competition purposes, she said, but perhaps more as a dare for those who want to take the risk.
"I was going to do a 'Jackson Five-Pepper Chili,' and I'm still thinking of doing it. This wouldn't be my entry. But for those who want some spice? Here you go."
