The Federal Way Farmers Market Chili Cook-off runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at The Commons mall parking lot. Federal Way police and South King Fire and Rescue firefighters will face off in a battle to make the best chili. Tickets are $10 and include chili, corn bread, a drink and dessert. All proceeds benefit South King Firefighters Foundation as well as the Special Olympics.
Get your tickets in advance: Call Janice Siebenaler at (253) 529-7021 or Marty Markey at (253) 926-5925.
For submitting the following chili recipe, Federal Way resident Rich Ward won two tickets to the Chili Cook-off.
Ingredients:
• 1 finely chopped onion (or a little more)
• 3 finely chopped garlic cloves (or a little more)
• 2 piece of bacon cut crosswise into pieces
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder (or a little more)
• 2 cans of cannelloni, pinto or red kidney beans
• 1 ½ teaspoons of dried crushed oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
• 3 cups of water
• Coarse salt
• 3/4 cup of Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar (shredded); pepper jack is also good
• 2 tablespoons of fine cornmeal
• 1 ½ cups of frozen or fresh kernel yellow corn and ½ cup jalapenos (if you like hot!!!)
Directions: The fine cornmeal is use to thicken the chili and the bacon adds a smoky flavor to this bean-based chili. You can also serve lime wedges on the side for an extra bit of garnish flair. Begin by cooking the bacon in a chili pot over medium heat until browning happens. Begin to add the onion, garlic, paprika, pepper, oregano, beans and salt into the chili pot. Stir this mixture occasionally for about 10-15 minutes. Mash up the beans a bit.
Mix the fine cornmeal with water, corn and jalapenos, then bring the pot to boil. Begin to reduce the heat and keep stirring until the chili becomes thick and the corn is softer. If you find that your chili is a bit dry, you can add water to make it moist again as well as many spices to jazz it up! Start serving your winter chili and dress up each bowl with some cheddar and or pepper jack cheese. Add some cornbread, and your meal is complete.
