Grand Forks Lions Club Chili Cook-Off | Video

Joel Porter | 7/29/2012

This weekend, I traveled to the northeast corner of the state on a quest to finally try to win first prize in a chili competition. I`ve never finished higher than third in any cook-off, and was hoping this was a chance to turn the tide.

On Saturday morning, I ventured to Grand Forks on a quest to prove my homemade chili recipe is superior. The Grand Forks Lions Club hosted the cook-off during the Cats Incredible Fishing Tournament.

Starting at 8:00 in the morning, the gloves were on and sharp knives were busy at work.

With our secret ingredient added and the pot simmering, it was time to begin serving the hungry crowd.

"Right in the beginning. It`s got a little sweetness to it. But boy, it`s starting to get a little bit warm going down the throat," one Grand Forks Lions Club member said.

Our chili was hot. So was the competition. Around ten teams were vying for first place and people`s choice.

"Number ten. That`s who you vote for!" One competitor boasted to the crowd.

And "Kiss the Devil" made a few fans among the hungry horde.

"It`s really different. I really like it," one man said.

"Because in my mind, I`m trying to think of all of the ingredients inside," one chili patron said.

It may have been a hit with the crowd, but could it curry favor with the judges?

"Single guys. 2nd place!" The judge announced.

Sadly, this was not the devil`s day. A fun day for the kids and a fun experience for the cooks. As for a prize-winning recipe, I`ll have to wait until next year for another chance.

The proceeds from the chili cook-off are given to a number of charities that are supported by the Grand Forks Lions Club.

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