4th Annual Chili Cook-Off Names
Henton and Russell Top Cooks, Saturday Night

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

It was a "daunting" task for these judges, as they tasted every entry in Saturday night's contest
and was charged with choosing the best chili concoction in Hopkins County.

 

It was some of the finest chili in Hopkins County and a large crowd of folks that came out to sample it, on Saturday night, in the Hopkins County Civic Center, as the Fourth Annual Crockpot Chili Contest got underway. Over 35 pots were entered in this year's contest, as the event continues to grow each year.

While the group of seven qualified judges were making their decisions, assessing each sample for aroma, taste, appearance, and flavor, those "looking for a bowl of red," were listening to music provided by Gale Hague and The Lone Star Express. Once it was announced that the judging was complete, it was time for everyone to begin "what they came for!" The eating began!

 

Those who came to eat chili purchased a bowl and went from pot to pot, sampling the
great chili prepared for this year's contest.

 

"It's amazing how many different ways there is to make chili in Hopkins County," commented one taster. "It seems that everyone does something a little bit different. I even tasted a White Bean and Chicken Chili recipe!"

And, speaking of the chili made from white beans, it was entered by local gourmet cook, Todd McCoy, who allowed that he had been searching for such a recipe and that his girlfriend found the recipe on the internet. "I took it and made several modifications, and adapted it with what I thought would please the palets in Hopkins County," stated Todd. "Next time, I may make it just a little bit more spicy, by adding a little bit more jalapeno peppers to it!"

 

Local cook, Todd McCoy, surprised several at the contest with his White Bean and Chicken Chili,
that proved to be popular among the tasters.

 

 

Meanwhile, Enola Gay, sponsor of the event, came to the microphone and announced the winners. In the adult division, it was Linda Henton, who topped all of the others, and walked away with the top $250.00 prize, as well as additional gifts. She has been cooking chili for many years, and grew-up in the Sulphur Bluff region of Hopkins County, a member of a family group, that can be counted-on to have some of the most tasty dishes, at any local cooking contests.

Winning second prize, was Miller Grove resident, Louis Russell, who can always be found cooking chili and stew in his home community, for a number of benefit functions, like the FFA and church gatherings. Russell allowed that "he brought his best to town, just to see how it would measure-up!" Russell recieved a number of gifts, as well as a monetary prize, also.

 

Linda Henton, right, was named the winner of the 2010 Crockpot Chili Contest, and Louis Russell, left,
of Miller Grove, was named the runner-up.

 

In the Youth Division, it was Heston Wilburn, a veteran youth of the contest, that walked away with the top prize, receiving a variety of prizes. And, another veteran youth cook, Hunter Jisha, of Reilly Springs, was named second place in this year's contest.

 

Heston Wilburn, left, was named the Youth Division Winner in the 2010 Contest, and Hunter Jisha, was
named to the runner-up position.

 

Following the announcement of winners, a live and silent auction of items donated by local businesses, was conducted.

Sponsors for this year's event included: Hopkins County Sheriff's Posse, KSST, Alliance Bank, City National Bank, Toliver Ford, Guaranty Bond Bank, Southwest Dairy Museum, Texas Heritage Bank, B.T. Medical Supply, Interstate Body Shop, Hootens Hardware, and Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau.

The money raised at Saturday night's event will be used to sponsor The American Day of the Cowboy event, in July 2010, and the Hopkins County 4-H Horse Club.

 

Local auctioneer, Jeff Massey, conducted the live auction of items donated by
local businesses, at Saturday night's event.

 

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