There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned chili cookoff to bring everyone together, and this year’s event was one for the books! Our annual chili cookoff has become a highly anticipated tradition, sparking friendly competition and a whole lot of flavor. From tangy and sweet to spicy and bold, this year’s chili entries showcased the diverse and creative cooking talents within our team.

The day kicked off with everyone setting up their crockpots, each participant fiercely proud of their homemade concoctions. The aroma of simmering spices filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that made it hard for anyone to resist sneaking a sample. Some participants brought secret family recipes passed down through generations, while others crafted unique flavors that blended traditional elements with modern twists. And while every pot of chili had its own distinct style, each entry shared one thing: the unmistakable warmth and comfort that only a bowl of chili can bring.

The Tasting and Voting Process

To make things fair and fun, we implemented a blind tasting system this year. Each chili was labeled with a number, so tasters couldn’t tell who had made which pot. Everyone 3 votes, and we encouraged everyone to consider a range of criteria to determine the winners. Flavor, texture, spice level, and creativity were all reflected upon, making it tough for anyone to pick a clear favorite. As team members lined up to grab a sample, discussions erupted over which chili packed the perfect punch and which had the best balance of flavors.

But it wasn’t all serious business! People joked about whose chili might be the "office fire alarm" and who might have snuck in an extra secret ingredient. The camaraderie in the room was palpable, with everyone laughing, cheering each other on, and comparing tasting notes.

Crowd Favorites and Standout Winners

After all the tasting and scorecards were tallied, we crowned the winners! It was a close race, but this year’s big award went to Taryn Holt for her bold take on a classic beef chili with a surprising smoky twist that left everyone craving seconds. Taryn is currently the reigning champion and doesn’t anticipate that changing anytime soon. Of course, we had to give an honorable mention to JD Stearns, for the “Hottest Chili” that brought a tear to a few eyes!

A Recipe for Bonding and Fun

Our annual chili cookoff is more than just a culinary competition—it’s a way for our team to unwind, laugh, and build connections. It’s events like these that remind us how much we enjoy working together and creating memories beyond the day-to-day tasks. We acted with pride showing our core values – embrace family, be positive, all things that we were not lacking on this Friday! It’s no surprise that we had a great turnout this year, with more people eager to share their love of chili (and hope to gain bragging rights).

As we wrap up another successful cookoff, we’re already looking forward to next year’s event. Who knows? Maybe some of this year’s winners will come back to defend their titles, or we might see a new chili champion rise. Either way, one thing is for sure—this spicy tradition will continue to bring us together year after year. Here’s to next year’s cookoff, where the competition will be just as fierce, and the chili will be just as delicious!