CHILI COOKOFF CONTEST ENDS THIS SUNDAY

There's a chill in the air, and people's minds and appetites are turning to chili.

The Southeast Missourian, Schaper's IGA and Sav-A-Lot in Cape Girardeau and Jackson are co-sponsoring a Chili Cookoff. The deadline for entries is Sunday.

The top winner in the contest will receive a $250 shopping spree at Schaper's IGA or Sav-A-Lot. The second place winner earns a year's subscription to the Southeast Missourian.

When it comes to chili, Dr. Bob Fox, a local dentist, may have cooked up more of the spicy dish than most. That's because he leads the cooking during the Optimist Chili Day, which occurs in late February or early March. Optimists typically serve between 1,200 and 1,500 each year at the daylong fund raiser."I have always liked chili," said Fox. "I like it all sorts of different ways. I like different meats in it, such as sliced up sirloin or chopped pork lion."He also enjoys a recipe where he adds lots of vegetables to the meat, including carrots, celery and mushrooms.

Fox is a charter member of the Optimist Club. The club has organized the successful chili supper for more than a decade.

Fox personally oversees the chili making, although he's quick to point out that the chili supper involves most every club member.

The "regular" chili includes either beef or pork and a special recipe of spices and other ingredients.

But Fox also whips up a pot of hot chili. "It's hot enough to make people sweat," he said. "I guarantee it."He often uses fresh peppers for that batch, some of which he has brought from Mexico.

He's not alone in liking his chili hot. About 15 to 20 percent of those attending the community chili supper pick the hot chili.

Fox has two or three chili cookbooks that he often uses. "I think it's fun just to experiment with chili," he said. "I like to try different meats or making it without beans. That's true Texas chili."He also enjoys chili in other forms such as dip with nachos.

Although chili has a reputation as a winter dish, Fox can sometimes be found whipping up a batch in the heat of summer.

An entry form for the Chili Cookoff appears in the Southeast Missourian newspaper each day. Recipes need to include an official entry form and can be dropped off at any Southeast Missourian office, Schaper's IGA or Sav-A-Lot in Cape Girardeau or Jackson.

By Wednesday, 10 finalists will be notified by telephone. They will be asked to bring their chili creations to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13. A panel of judges will taste test the finalists and announce the winners the following week.