Annual Local Ingredient Chili Challenge Returns to New Paltz

It is back for the 12th amazing year. Once again the Local Ingredient Chili Challenge will be held at Water Street Market in New Paltz. On Saturday January 25th from 12 PM to 3 PM (snow date Sunday Jan 26) local chefs will gather once again to delight the crowd with their secret recipes that include local Hudson Valley ingredients.

Up to 25 people / Chefs can compete for the honor of being crowned the best. Their is no cost to enter but you do have to be willing to create 5 gallons of chili for public sampling and be there to serve it. Contestants are encouraged to make more to ensure their is enough for everyone being that this event always draws a crowd and chili does run out. The chili must contain at least five local ingredients (such as tomatoes, peppers, honey, beer, turkey, beef, etc.) Keep in mind that the more local ingredients you have, the more weight it carries with the judges.

The chili will be judged for first and second place under these categories: best overall, best vegetarian, best professional (restaurant or professional chef), people's choice and most original. Please note that home chefs must have use of a commercial kitchen to make the chili. If you do not, we can help get you use of one.

For the public that wish to sample the cost is a $1 a ticket which gets you 3 ounces of chili. 12 tickets for $10 and 25 tickets for $20. Water Street Market will be providing the 3 ounce portion cups and spoons. All proceeds from this event will go to The St. Joseph's non-denominational food pantry which is in dire need of supplies to feed hundreds of local families. This event typically raises at least $2,000.

These spots fill up quickly so please contact Theresa Fall at terryfall@gmail.com if you would like to enter, or for more information go to waterstreetmarket.com.