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Mark your calendar and register TODAY to participate in the First Annual RED APRON CHILI COOKOFF, the first sanctioned chili cookoff to be held in Hilton Head/Bluffton S.C. on Saturday, Feb. 25. This first annual event will be held at Tanger 2 Outlet Center Hilton Head.
Click here to sign up, or read on for more details.
The RED APRON CHILI COOKOFF will benefit Bluffton Self Help, Inc. a United Way Agency and is named to represent the Bluffton Self Help, Inc red apron logo. This first year event has openings for at least 20 cooks in each of the four categories with Competitive Red receiving first preference. The categories are The Competitive Red sanctioned cookoff, The Chili Verde, Salsa and the Homestyle Chili Cookoff.
The COMPETITIVE RED sanctioned chili cookoff follows the rules of the ICS and is defined as any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients, with the exception of BEANS and PASTA which are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
The CHILI VERDE sanctioned chili cookoff follows the rules of the ICS and is defined as any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with green chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients, with the exception of BEANS and PASTA which are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
Salsa must be homemade by the contestant whose name with ICS number appears on the Contestant application. It may be brought to the site that day or it may be prepared at the Cookoff.
The HOMESTYLE Chili Cookoff (THE NEW CATEGORY) is defined as the cook’s favorite combination of ingredients resulting in a dish seasoned with chili peppers and spices. There is no restriction or requirements as to the ingredients, but the entry must be homemade and have chili pepper flavor. This category costs an additional $50.
All cooking is done on-site while spectators watch and each cook must make at least two gallons of chili including 32 ounces for judging. Spectators have the opportunity to taste the chilies as soon as the chili entries are collected for judging. Judges will be selected from local celebrity chefs and personalities.
Sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS), this cookoff will follow all the rules and regulations set by ICS and cooks (both amateur and professional) must be members or join the Chili Society prior to the cookoff. The ICS is the official organization that sanctions chili cookoffs. These events are worldwide and benefit charities or nonprofit organizations. All winners of ICS sanctioned cookoffs qualify to compete for cash prizes and awards at the World's Championship Chili Cookoff. The ICS is the largest food contest, festival organization in the world. Their sole purpose is to promote, develop and improve the preparation and appreciation of true chili and to determine each year the World's Champion Chili through officially sanctioned and regulated competitive cookoffs.
The cooks are provided space to cook and are required to supply their own tent and cooking equipment including a one-pound propane stove, plus follow all the rules and regulations outlined by ICS. There is no access to electricity on the cooking sites and a limited water supply.
Prizes include cash plus two-day resort stays in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area. The winner of the Competitive Red is guaranteed a spot in the The South Carolina Chili Championship to be held in Belton, SC in April and the Last Chance Chili Cookoff in 2012. The official hotel for this event is the Hilton Garden Inn located off Highway 278 in Bluffton across from the Tanger II outlets.
The cost to enter the cookoff is $45 per cook for the Competitive Red and Chili Verde and $35 for Homestyle and Salsa, plus any ICS membership fees. All food used by the cooks must be purchased at a designated food store and receipts provided. Celebrity Cook Sponsorship teams cost $100 and include sponsor listing and two tickets to the event. Other sponsorship packages are available.
For more information about the cookoff and to participate contact Lili Coleman at Bluffton Self Help, Inc., on line at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Bluffton Self Help at 843-757-8000. Registration will also be available at Blufftonselfhelp.org.
