|
|
|
Coop wins top prizes at Chili Country Cook-Offby Deborah Trupin On February 26, Honest Weight Food Coop won two prizes at the 11th Annual Chili Country Cook-Off. HWFC staff learned about the contest, a fund-raiser for the American Lung Association, shortly before the event-and worked hard and fast to come up with the successful recipe. The Coop's Fruit and Nut Chili won first prize for vegetarian chili, and second prize for most creative chili. HWFC human resources manager Kristen Schon, who represented HWFC at the event, relayed the story of the development of the chili recipe and the event. Upon deciding to enter the chili cook-off, HWFC staff began to look for a good recipe for the Coop entry. Staff did not want to enter a tofu or TVP recipe (they feared these might be off-putting for non-vegetarians). Deli manager Bill Schroeder had been pondering a cashew chili and, after some on-line research and much cooking and tasting, the Fruit and Nut Chili recipe was developed-and 16 gallons were cooked for the contest. As Kristen continued to tell the story, at the beginning of the event, things did not look good for HWFC. Being a late entry, the Coop had a "bad booth," tucked into a corner. At first no one was coming to taste the chili, making chances of winning slim, as the winner is voted by the attendees of the event, who need to taste before they vote! Then, Steve Caporizzo, chief meteorologist on Channel 10 (WTEN-tv in Albany), who is a vegetarian who prefers to eat organically, noticed the HWFC booth. He tasted the chili, liked it (and liked the vegetarian and organic aspects of it, too) and decided to do a piece on Coop's chili on the air. Kristin reported that she was on TV to tell the world, or at least the Capital District, "why it's organic." Having the TV lights and cameras clearly drew people to the booth. Coop staff gave out most of the 16 gallons of chili (offered in small cups with a small spoon, and a tiny square of the delicious Coop Corn Bread on top) to the 1,200-1,300 people in attendance. Once tasted, the Fruit and Nut Chili was a hit-as it won the two prizes. (And, in winning the first prize, it displaced a seven-year winner.) Congratulations to Bill, Kristen and the other HWFC staff involved in the chili contest. You helped to raise money for the American Lung Association, increase awareness of HWFC and the benefits of eating organically, and provided Coop Scoop readers with a new chili recipe to try at home. ENJOY!!!
HWFC Fruit and Nut Chili Sauté garlic, onions, celery and peppers in oil in a large pot until tender. Add kidney beans, tomatoes and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes. Prior to serving, add remaining ingredients: 1 1/3 cups
Thompson raisins |
CoopScoop
Home |
