Chili cooks have one thing in common: They all think their recipe is the best. We can sit around and debate the fundamentals (beans or no beans, hot or not, chicken or beef) forever, but there's really only one way to settle the score: an old-fashioned chili cook-off. By the end of the night, everyone will leave full and happy—and someone will go home with bragging rights.
Decide whether you want participants to bring a finished chili dish or prepare the chili from scratch onsite. If they prepare it onsite, then the location needs must be able to handle the appropriate number of cooks. If you have the space, go for this. Watching the chefs prepare their dishes in competition with each other can be as exciting as watching a race.
Choose a theme for your cook-off. You can require participants to cook Southwestern style or prepare cowboy chilis. An unusual theme such as "Witches Brew" can be fun close to Halloween. Buy decorations to complement your theme, such as chili pepper lights, cowboy hats or Texas flags. Be sure to purchase the bowls, spoons, cups and plenty to drink.
Explain the categories and rules to all participants.
Stock up on the traditional sides, such as shredded cheese, chopped onions, rice, corn chips, sour cream, pepper sauce, tortillas, crackers and cornbread. Everyone has a different preference for eating chili, so be sure to cover all the bases. Offer other dishes such as green salad to prevent chili overload.
Award prizes for different categories, such as Best Traditional Chili, Best Beanless Chili, Best Vegetarian Chili and Best Cook's Costume. Select the judges prior to the date of the cook-off. Award prizes in each category.