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Cooks compete with chili

By Tara Rack-Amber For The 2 min read

A first-time contestant in the Fayette County Fair’s annual Chili Contest knew the secret to her winning recipe. “Hot sausage. It gives it a different flavor,” said Wendy Friend of McClellandtown.

Participants were invited to bring their best chili recipes and prepare a sample for judging on the last day of the fair, Saturday.

Contestants started cooking at 11 a.m. and judging took place at 2 p.m. Contestants were able to compete in two different categories. The first was the booth judging. Those wishing to participate could decorate their table in a theme of their choice.

The first place prize went to Bonnie Mortimer. Mortimer decorated her table with a fiesta theme complete with chili pepper bracelets, pencils and even a dancing chili pepper figurine.

Amanda McClure was awarded second place for her Americana themed booth, and third place went to Friend’s patriotic booth.

Following the judging of the booths, the chili contest got under way. All contestants had to bring their own ingredients with them to the fair that morning.

“They can prepare anything at home, like chop up onions or peppers, but they must cook it here,” said Kathy Hair, chairwoman of the chili contest.

The contest was open to both professional and amateur contestants.

After several taste tests, the judges awarded Friend the first-place ribbon.

Friend said she created her own recipe for the contest.

“I went to the store and just bought the ingredients,” said Friend. “I didn’t really think about it.”

Second place went to McClure, with Mortimer taking third place.

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