Friday's forecast: Chili with a side of cornbread

By Julie n. Chang
Published: March 11, 2010

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MORGANTON --

Fire up your crock-pot and pull out your favorite chili recipe because it's time for the 16th Annual ACC Chili Cook-off.

Entries must be in by 9 a.m. Friday and the festivities are from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St. For $6 a ticket, diners can eat as much chili as they want with all the fixings, cornbread, salad, dessert and a drink.

Beth Willard, City of Morganton Main Street community events coordinator, said a vegetarian option will be available at the cook-off this year too.

Widescreen HD televisions from Queen City Audio, Video and Appliances will show the day's ACC game.

Sponsored by the Downtown Development Association, the chili cook-off is the association's annual fundraiser, Willard said. The association hosts various events throughout the year including TGIF concerts on the square, the Halloween carnival and the annual Christmas parade.

Willard said the entry fee was lowered to $10 this year because of economic conditions. Anyone can enter a chili into the contest up until 9 a.m. Friday. Trophies are awarded to first through third places in both the amateur and commercial categories.

Last year there were a record number 25 entries in the amateur category, Willard said. Another 14 entrants took part in the commercial category.

Mike Gillis won first place last year, but will be out of town during the cook-off this Friday. But that doesn't mean he's ready to share his entire recipe.

Gillis said he got the recipe from his mother, but has tweaked the recipe through the years. Some of the more unusual things Gillis used in his award winning recipe? Mesquite smoked jalapenos, London broil and a potato.

"And I have a secret ingredient," Gillis said.

Gillis said last year was the first and only time he has entered a chili cook-off.

"I went in not expecting to win. I just wanted to enter," Gillis said. "It was fun for me. I was actually excited and quite honored."

Although Gillis won't be back to defend his title, the first-place winner in the commercial category is coming back with a new recipe this year.

Allison's Restaurant has entered a chili every year of the cook-off for several years, owner Jeff Allison said. Last year, the restaurant submitted a chili made from an employee's recipe.

But this year, Allison's is submitting the chili it serves in the restaurant, Allison said. The restaurant only sells its chili during the cold months.

And his advice for making an award-winning chili?

"You have to use your own taste buds," Allison said.

For more information about the ACC Chili Cook-off call 438-5252.