Greatest Chili Cook-Off

The greatest “Dead End Canal Yacht Club” chili cook-off took place on Wednesday last. Every recent “Dead End Canal Yacht Club” chili cook-off is the greatest
Fart-less Chili
but this one set records for attendance and participants. The approaching cold front helped a lot because our members are better at predicting the weather than stone alcoholics*.

*I worked on the railroad after the service and I worked with an Engineer who opened up about his ability to predict weather. “Nothing worries a drinker more than snow,” he said one night in the steel mill canteen, “if the snow shuts down the city, it could be days without a drink. So, we drinkers, develop a heightened sensitivity to the weather. Whenever snow is coming we have to stock up. It's the only time I have extra in my house.”

Our club members may or may not be alcoholics like the Engineer but they don't have to worry about snow. After a hot summer, we all eagerly await the first sign of a chill so we can cook chili.

The contest takes place at our clubhouse on the Canal. It isn't necessary to cook the chili in the clubhouse but it is mandated than the judges sample the chili there. Contestants bring hot plates and warmers in order to keep their aromatic cauldrons at the proper temperature.

Most are Chili Con Carney (with beans) but two members divest from the norm. Run-aground Ralph's wife is from Cincinnati so she serves her chili with pasta. Dan the Sign-man serves a bean-less variety that is more Greek than even the Cincinnati. Some have bread, some crackers and a few serve Mexican style chips.

I am a traditionalist. I make 39 bean Irish Chili which I tout as Fart-less. It is imperative you keep close count on the beans because, as the Irish say, “One more bean makes it 'farty!' I offer additional heat by request. Very few go for the 'Sudden Death' sauce but since I offer several heat flavors, I am nearly assured of, at least, a third place finish.

As I write this blog, a pile of 'Eggs Donliente' breakfast dishes fill the sink on Thanksgiving morning. Chili isn't just for cold days although it is chilly today. Perfect timing!

First Place to Texarkana Hannah. Second Place to Boston Bob. Third Place to boatguy Ed. Recipes on request! Happy Thanksgiving!


Boatguy Ed ( boatguiEd@aol.com ) is the manufacturer of the worlds BEST anti-fouling bottom paint, www.supershipbottom.com.... Former Producer, Director, Co-Star and the guy who swept up on the "Boating Show" 1995 to 2000. 

Producer/Director/Editor of "Dining out SWFL" and "Boater's Treasures TV." TWEET me @boatguyed and a corresponding web site is http://www.boatingbyboatguyed.com/ ........ NEVER, EVER TRY TO BUY HIM A DRINK!

This blog/column is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Do not read while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Keep sending those great questions and comments to boatguiEd@aol.com.

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