The 47th Annual Terlingua International Chili Championship (TICC) wrapped up on Nov 2nd. This CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International) sanctioned event – and others throughout the US (500+ chili cook-offs internationally each year) – raise over $1 million annually. Done mostly by sponsorship money that has been donated, can it be given back to local charities, through the promotion of the American chili. The respective chili cook-offs provide a chance for cooks to quality (via a point system), to participate in the cook-off in Terlingua which is considered to be the “crown jewel of spicy food” competitions.
This 4-day celebration is a Texas tradition here in Terlingua. People swarm upon the site 4 miles west of Terlingua called Rancho CASI de los Chisos where it’s all at. We witnessed maybe a good 7-8,000 people at this site on the last day of competition, which is the main event . . . CHILI! And, anyone can be a judge by showing up during this event - up to the main judging event on the last day for the HOT stuff.
What we learned about cooking competition chili is that it is very different from the chili that most of us grew up with. Ground beef (or chili grind) must be used with no fillers whatsoever - quite different from what we’re use to with our good ole “beans”, chunks of onions, tomatoes, etc. Cooking is done on site, from scratch and judging is based on aroma, consistency, red color, taste and aftertaste.
We were able to volunteer at the main gate on that Saturday and took some great pictures of the event to share with you.
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| Jeff & Bill, the Gate Keepers |
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| A view from the road as we arrived on Saturday |
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| This is the stage for the nightly entertainment |
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| We walked to the top of the hill to get a good pic |
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| Campers. . .campers. . .campers. . . |
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| Tents housing the chili cooks prior to judging |
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| The building where all of the food was being judged |
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| The line of chili cooks submitting their cups for judging |
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| Vendors, Ken & Enrique |
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| Groups of chili cooks being judged on a theme |
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| A quiet time for Krazy Flats Saloon |
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| Another vendor selling something that you need ?? |
As they say, “May Chiligula Smile upon You”.
Viva Terlingua, Amigos!
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| An honorary Texas when you're in Terlingua! |
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| My shirt read, "Hug me, I'm a Little Chili" |
Hugs to all ~
Kay & Jeff
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