Ok, onto the important points, like the actual rules, newly made up by me.
1. Chili must be home made... no canned stuff (though ingredients may come from a can if necessary).
2. Chili may be started no more than 24 hours in advance of the competition.
3. Contestants must make a batch of chili that feeds at least 8 to 10 people - larger batches are highly acceptable!
4. Chili must be at the main fire for tasting at the designated time or it will be disqualified.
5. Chili must be served au natural for judging purposes, no sour cream, cornbread or other condiments!
Judges will be selected at my discretion and must be able to cite basic references as to why they are exceptional judges of chili. The judging panel will consist of 5 judges ranging from different geographical areas and unit/realm affiliations.
Judges will be asked to judge each contestant's chili on a scale of 1-10 in 4 main categories.
1. Appearance - Does the chili look and smell appetizing? Does the judge want to eat it or do they feel they have to force it down for the sake of fairness? Does the scent wafting off the chili make the judge salivate or do they have to hold their nose to take a bite? We have had very discerning judges in the past. Make it good folks.
2. Flavor - Is it bean soup or is it CHILI!?! Does the blend of flavors offer something exceptional to the palate or is it boring? Is there consistency of flavor throughout or does the first bite differ dramatically from the second and third? Etc, you get the idea.
3. Heat - This is a chili contest folks. Let's see some serious power in the chili. You don't need to kill the judges with the force of pepper spray, but a winning chili should have some heat to make it strong. No?
4. Presentation - Each contestant will have the oppportunity to tell you about his or her chili prior to serving it to the judges. They should make the judges excited to try their chili. Impress us with the history of the chili, amaze us with the origins of the recipe, awe us with your culinary skill to create your own recipe, tease us with the secret ingredient.
Got it all? Awesome. Judges may begin their application process now. Be prepared to rinse your bowls between servings (it helps to have your own personal bowl cleansing *). Cleansing your palate, is up to you.
