Locals enjoy unique recipes at American Legion chili cook-off

The air outside was warm Saturday, but the chili inside Newton’s American Legion was hot. The Legion’s inaugural chili cook-off pleased both the judges and attendees with unique recipes, good company and more than 60 door prizes.

All proceeds from the cook-off benefited the Legion, which provides support for local veterans. Event organizer and Legion historian Mady McKim said part of Saturday’s mission was to give knowledge to the community.

“A lot of people think that we’re closed to the public, and we’re not. We are open to public,” she said. “We’re still trying to get that out there.”

To be a Legion member, you must be a veteran, McKim said. However, the public is allowed at Legion Post 111 any time. People filled the Legion chairs for the weekend cook-off and enjoyed chili, hot dogs and cinnamon rolls.

There were six contestants in the cook-off, who prepared a mix of medium and hot chili. The creations were judged by Sen. Chaz Allen, Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty, city councilwoman Lin Chapé and Energy 106.7 FM’s Sarah Jorges and Ron McCarthy.

Chili was judged on aroma, spice, flavor, originality, consistency and color. The judges liked what they tasted, but one chili rose above the rest — Pete Blink’s hot antelope chili. Blink received the first-place award of a $150 gift certificate.

Blink grows his own hot peppers, dries them and smokes them. He said a lot of the flavor and heat came from the smoked peppers. The cook, who said chili is one of his favorite foods to make, also said using a different type of meat contributed to his success.

“The antelope is kind of a new add,” he said. “Last fall we went hunting and brought some back from Wyoming. I thought let’s try something with a little gamey-ness in it. It worked out well.”

After the antelope chili was a hit in his own home, he made some for a veteran’s night in January. People seemed to enjoy it, so he signed up for the Legion chili cook-off.

“I made the same recipe and kicked up the heat because I made it how I like to eat it,” Blink said. “I brought my own pepper in case anyone wants to make it a little hotter, they can add at their own risk.”

The Legion helps veterans by providing funeral services and putting flags out at cemeteries, McKim said. She said the organization is trying to get more involved in the community, and more events are expected in the future. Next up will be an appreciation day for police, firefighters, emergency responders and correctional officers, she said.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com