It`s not an easy task to sit at the judges` table at OK Chili Cook-off. We are grateful that these professional chefs and chili lovers are taking matters into their own hands. Sweet Lou is a professional chef and works part-time at Knockout Catering as a chef and coach. Lou is an alumnus of this event and can`t wait to try all the chili peppers. ICS will introduce new chili categories over the next few seasons, including Tailgate Chili and Campfire Chile – stay tuned! Traditional red pepper is any type of meat or combination of meat, cooked with red peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed. Preference shall not be given to cut, minced, minced or cut meat. Each year, hundreds of chefs compete nationally to qualify for the ICS Chile Cook-off World Championship, which takes place every fall! This competition not only determines the chili recipes of the world champion, but is also a huge public event of several days! WCCC offers champion chili tastings, beer tastings, local foods, restaurant contests, craft and retail vendors, corn hole, auto show, kids` area and MORE! Young chefs have the option to cook traditional red chili or homemade chili depending on the cuisine they sign up for. The above rules must be followed by category. The young cook can be between 6 and 17 years old and must prepare and cook his chili under the supervision of the parents, but not with the participation of the parents.

Although no ingredients are needed to prepare salsa, it should contain chili peppers. Other vegetable, fruit, spice and herbal ingredients may be added at the chef`s discretion. Salsa MUST be homemade by the participant. Commercial salsa is not accepted. Salsa can be prepared in advance or on site. 1st place vegetarian (vegetarian chilis will be in the overall race, but the best vegetarian chili will receive a prize) Tom will judge the chili competition for the first time this year. He owns and operates the Urban Pioneer Group, with his wife Sheila, who has made many exciting collaborations with the community, including a pop-up showcasing Knockout Catering with other local businesses. So you want to become world champion? WE want to try your chili! To qualify for this major cooking competition, you must be an active member of the ICS and win one (or more) ICS-sanctioned cooking competitions. Your email address will not be published.

Required fields are marked with * The registration deadline is Sunday, January 15. If you have any further questions, let me know and I will do my best to answer them: mfair@opportunityknocksnow.org or 708-860-6461. ICS is the founding and operational organization of the World Championship Chile Cook-Off® (WCCC), which takes place every year in the fall. The winners of each category will receive the coveted title of World Champion and a total prize pool of $100,000! Sean is the executive chef of Chicago`s Smoque BBQ, one of the best barbecue spots in town. This is his third year as a judge and he can`t wait to see what new ideas people have this year. Do you think you have what it takes to transport the equipment? Enter and join 15 chef contestants who will compete for this year`s Chili Cook-Off title over three rounds! Prices and seats for general and vegetarian divisions are available. Register now! The $50.00 entry fee includes: participation in the event and contest, official OK Chili Cook-Off apron, appetizer buffet, specialty beverages, admission to the raffle and donation to OK. Each chef receives constructive feedback from the jury by e-mail after the competition.

Erik will also be back as a judge for the third time this year. He is one of the owners of Carnviore in Oak Park, which has appeared on WGN`s Chicago`s Best and has been named one of the best burgers by the Chicago Tribune.