CHILI COOKOFF; AND THE WINNER IS... 'HEART-STOPPING' CHILI WINS FIRST PLACE

The competition was hot -- literally -- in the Chili Cookoff, co-sponsored by the Southeast Missourian newspaper, Schaper's IGA and Sav-A-Lot locations in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

The field of 59 chili recipe submissions were whittled to an even dozen. The finalists were asked to cook up a batch of their special chili and present it for taste-testing Saturday morning.

Two hours and two pitchers of cold water later, judges Tom Harte, Susan McClanahan and Glenn Williams arrived at the winners. Harte and McClanahan write food columns for the Missourian. A chili connoisseur, Williams has spent a number of years in Texas and is familiar with Southwest cuisine.

The winning recipe by Robert D. Ramirez of Cape Girardeau was thick and spicy. He referred to himself on the entry form as "The San Antonio Man." Ramirez wins a $250 gift certificate from Schaper's IGA or Sav-A-Lot.

His chili is called "Robert's Heart Stopping Chili." It contained such ingredients as New Mexico Red chili pods, jalapenos and Habanero chiles.

But the judges were pleasantly surprised that the chili wasn't as hot as feared."The heat really enhanced this chili," said Harte, who was sporting a black tie decorated with red chili peppers. "The spices were part of the total experience. It worked like a chili should work." The dish was thick with beef, red kidney beans and plenty of spices.

Originally, the judges were to pick a winner and one runner-up. But the competition was so close that three places were awarded, along with one honorable mention. A creamy pork chili by Mary Ann Cruse of Scott City came in second. This chili features chunks of pork, which is poured over beans. It is topped by diced green onion and a dollop of sour cream. When the judges uncovered the cooks' names after the winners were chosen, they weren't surprised to learn Cruse had won "Best of Show" in last year's pie contest. She receives a year's subscription to the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Finishing in third place was a father, son duo. Dr. Scott Gibbs and his son, Alex Koenig, created "Chocolate Chili by Two." The chili was savory, but sweet -- due in part to two chocolate bars, two dashes of cinnamon and two tablespoons of sugar in the recipe. It was topped by fresh green, yellow or red peppers. They win a six-month subscription to the Southeast Missourian for their winning effort.

Earning a honorable mention in the contest was a chili entry by Joan Weeks of Cape Girardeau. It featured ground beef and black beans. Judges were impressed by its rich flavor and texture. She wins a three-month subscription to the Southeast Missourian.

All submitted recipes -- including the 12 finalists -- will be published in the Thanksgiving Day edition of the Southeast Missourian.

Other recipe entrants selected as finalists include: Elizabeth Wilhelm of Cape Girardeau, Tory Charlier of Cape Girardeau, Suzanne "Susie" Dufek of Cape Girardeau, Dave Walker of Jackson, Barbara Rose Rust of Cape Girardeau, Joel Bockelman of Jackson, Debra Rau of Cape Girardeau and Joe Tygett of Cape Girardeau.

Harte said the judging was tough. He said the judges could have easily eaten a second bowl from any of the finalists.