Chilly Cook-Off is coming to support Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard

​We’ve pulled out the crockpots, and the dehydrators are full of spicy peppers. Recipes are being adjusted as Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard prepares for our annual “Chilly” Cook-Off. The Cook-Off will help launch Freezefest on the evening of Friday, January 23 at the Switchyard Pavilion (1601 S. Rogers St.) from 5 to 7 pm.

Community members are invited to register their chili to see if they can earn the People’s Choice Award or catch the attention of a panel of judges and earn Best Overall, Best Vegetarian, or Most Creative recipes. Registration for chefs is free, but closes on Wednesday, Jan. 7 or when all spaces are filled.

While space is limited to 25 chefs, the community is invited to join the Cook-Off and sample what each chef brings to the table, then cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Six brave attendees can also sign up at the event to join the Some Like It Hot contest, racing their way through an extra spicy chili. Tickets for the Chilly Cook-Off can be purchased online, with additional tickets available at the door.

Tickets are $25 for those ages 11 and older; children ages 10 and under enter free. Ticket price includes samples of all chilis, a ticket to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award for best chili, a chance to enter the Some Like It Hot spicy chili-eating competition, and treats to cool the palate from Two Sticks and Chocolate Moose.

To purchase tickets or register as a chili chef, visit mhcfoodpantry.org/chilly-cookoff. All proceeds support Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, a community food resource center that increases access to healthy food in ways that cultivate dignity, agency, and community.

To register to be a chili chef or grab your tickets, visit mhcfoodpantry.org/chilly-cookoff.

For information about the cook-off, registration, tickets, or becoming a sponsor, visit mhcfoodpantry.org/chilly-cookoff or contact Megan Betz at [email protected].