A Perfect Day for a Chili Cook Off
By Kathy Feist
Chili #13 was the talk of the cook off. “Have you tried 13?” they would ask. “Try number 13. It’s sweet,” they would whisper dumbfounded.
In the end, Chili #13 beat out nine other competitors in the Reno’s Powersports Annual Chili Cook-off held Saturday, November 10.
Sales associate Spencer Dreas took first place and a $125 prize. Rich Ogden came in second and Mike Helton third. All contestants were employees at Reno’s. The judges however were from all over. It was estimated around 50 people stopped in to do the taste test.
Dreas said the secret ingredient in his “sweet” chili was the maple flavored bacon he threw into the mix.
With perfect chili weather in the forecast, the Telegraph feels fortunate Dreas has chosen to share his award-winning recipe with our readers.
Spencer’s Award-Winning Chili
1 lb Applewood brand Maple Bacon
4 cans Bush Steakhouse beans
1 package Williams Chili Seasoning
1 can hot Rotel diced tomatoes
4 lb ground hamburger
Fry the bacon in a pan. Remove the bacon when done and add the hamburger to the pan. While hamburger cooks, chop bacon. Place both into a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients. Heat on low for 6 hours (or overnight) or on high for 4 hours.