Despite the sun shining brightly, there was definitely a chill in the air on March 8 at the Boca Raton YMCA.
Actually, it was more the smell of chili in the air as the Boca Raton Police Foundation sizzled, stirred and added a few dashes to the pot while competing in the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Chili Cook-off.
Foundation treasurer Craig Ehrnst served as master chef on the Saturday afternoon, with wife and Foundation administrator Julissa assisting with quality control for the the Foundation’s “Three Alarm Chili – So Good It’s Criminal.”
The recipe is traditional new year’s fare at the Ehrnst household. It’s served with sour cream, chopped green onions and crumbled corn bread on top.
Ehrnst’s recipe, the only one in the competition featuring whole corn kernels, is a proven winner, earning the 2008 NCCI Hand-off For Hope Chili Cook-off Taster’s Choice award.
With that trophy perched on the corner of their prep table, police caution tape wrapped around the cook station, and Executive Director Bob Tucker – along with chair Alan Rose – stirring the pot, the Foundation put its best bowl forward.
Four judges graded each competitor’s offering based on visual appeal, aroma, texture, taste and spice level.
Alas, judges didn’t select the Foundation’s chili the winner – a decision that may prove criminal.
“The fun lies in competing,” Ehrnst said. “It’s always great to support the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA. They do so much for our community. And we were able to try some of our competitor’s chilis. All in all, a winning afternoon.”
Below are some photos from the chili cook-off.
