Behind The Butter

the great chili cook-off

Things got a little steamy on Saturday night.

It all started innocently enough: Adam pronounced that morning that he wanted to make chili. When he said this, I shook my head a little bit and laughed.

“You? Make chili? Hah! I’ll make chili,” I said.

“You never let me cook for you!” He said. “I have good recipes, too!”

Things got silent for about four seconds.

Then, we both looked at each other at the same time and shouted,

“CHILI COOK-OFF!!!!!!”

….and so it began.

In true Adam and Jenna fashion, we decided to go big or go home for this little “contest”.  First up was the grocery store.

Adam insisted we take separate carts and go separate routes.

I found him on the tomato aisle and tried to talk him out of buying the exact same chili powder and cumin that I was buying, but he insisted we couldn’t share.

I thought that was silly but I’ve learned to pick my battles.

Let it be known that my grocery bill was three times less than his grocery bill…..that’s a fact.

We both cooked at his house. I went first because in my experience, chili gets better the longer it sits. Our judges guests weren’t expected for another four hours and I wanted ample time for the flavors to settle.

Plus, it’s always best to go first in life. This I’ve learned.

In case you were wondering, I used my traditional homestyle turkey chili recipe. In my opinion, it’s fail-proof. It’s the chili my mom made all the time when I was growing up, and is chock-full of tomatoes, ground turkey and beans. Plus, it’s served over elbow macaroni!

Secret ingredient!

I made my chili, cleaned my area and washed my dishes all in an hour, and then flounced on the couch to read for the next two.

Around four thirty, Adam was still glued to college football.

“Dear? Are you going to start your chili soon? Our friends are coming at six, you know,” I said as I flipped the page in my nine hundredth trashy Christian romance novel.

He just nodded. “Mmhmmm. I like to make things at the last minute. Don’t you worry about me!” He said.

I got back to my book.

Thirty minutes later and there’s cans everywhere, onions being chopped and three pounds of beef sizzling on the stove.

I tried not to judge.

The boys from Texas, after all.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help but sniff the air enviously as I read.

Beef.

Beans.

Cayenne pepper…and lots of it.

But he was making RICE to go with his chili…..and I don’t know how I feel about that.

At exactly six o’five the doorbell rang. Naturally, we greeted our guests with homemade ballots, pens and sample bowls. The stakes were high.

And then…it was go-time.

On the side, we had Hatch Green Chili tortilla chips, saltines (??), and Nancy brought homemade cornbread. Bless her heart.

Finally, the group cast their votes….I forgot my number and Adam whispered it into my ear.

I don’t know where I went wrong and it’s hard enough to admit these failures on the internet like this for the whole world to see. I guess I should be thankful that I’m with someone who can make darn good chili, but seriously?

I’d like to thank Brian at this time for making the right choice.

I proceeded to sulk for the rest of the evening and dragged my chili-loser butt to a wine bar where I proceeded to stuff my face with ricotta beignets and flourless chocolate cake.

The End.

ps– we’ll be eating chili every night for the next four weeks.

pps–wanna come over for dinner?

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  • Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side
    November 29, 2010 at 9:42 am

    Well, since he’s from from Texas, I suppose it’s only appropriate that he win the chili contest. Thank God for wine- the doctor for what ails us! Next time, you should suggest a cookie bake off. You’re SURE to take that…er… cake 😉

  • Debbie
    November 29, 2010 at 9:42 am

    Awesome fun! 😉

  • Dynamics
    November 29, 2010 at 9:43 am

    Almanzo cheated…LOL… It was all in the PREPACKAGED beans. You can never lose using those unbelievably delicious beans. He is a pretty smart guy!

    • Jen
      November 29, 2010 at 1:34 pm

      Your right! You can’t beat the packaged preservatives sometimes 🙂

  • Nora@LiveLifeEatRight
    November 29, 2010 at 9:43 am

    This. Is. THE BEST!!! I’ve been waiting for this post, and it’s even better than I anticipated. haha LOVE the last pic! An it doesn’t matter if you win or lose (yours looks delish and naturally has my vote b/c of the wine involved!) it’s how you play the game—I’m guessing there shall be another cook off soon?? A girl can dream.

  • dana @ my little celebration
    November 29, 2010 at 9:44 am

    That chili looks awesome, but I’m not so sure about serving it over elbow macaroni. I’m so used to putting crackers or frito chips in my chili that I don’t think I could swerve from that. Is it really that tasty?

    • Amy Lee
      November 29, 2010 at 5:10 pm

      In Indiana, we almost always serve chili with either spaghetti or macaroni. Yum!

  • grocery goddess jen
    November 29, 2010 at 9:48 am

    Just let him have this one win, Jenna, he is from Texas after all. I’m sure he’ll never beat you in any cooking contest ever again 🙂

  • grocery goddess jen
    November 29, 2010 at 9:49 am

    Also, which one did you like better??

    • jenna
      November 29, 2010 at 9:57 am

      I loved both! I love mine because it reminds me of home (chili my mom made all the time when I was growing up), but Adam’s is more of the traditional, super-spicy bowl of red. Both are good!

      ps–he says he likes mine better 🙂

      • Kaley
        November 29, 2010 at 10:10 am

        He’s obviously a keeper!

  • Krystina (Basil & Wine)
    November 29, 2010 at 9:51 am

    If it’s any consolation, I would have voted for you…since I don’t eat beef. And because you mentioned ricotta beignets, which I’m now craving like mad.

  • Genki
    November 29, 2010 at 9:51 am

    Can I come over, really? Both of them look/sound amazing! I heart chilli. Now if only it wasn’t so hot here.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    November 29, 2010 at 9:54 am

    I would have taken that loss really hard. I’m super competitive with the Husband (we’re both stubborn and competitive by nature. It sometimes doesn’t make for a good marriage 🙂 )and he never cooks, so that would not have been good.

  • Amanda (Eating Up)
    November 29, 2010 at 9:55 am

    Haha that was such a cute post! You described it so well, it almost seemed like I was there! I’m sorry you lost, but I have complete confidence that you can kick his butt in so many other culinary competitions. Rematch?

    • jenna
      November 29, 2010 at 9:56 am

      Rematch, for sure. He’s going DOWN!

  • tina
    November 29, 2010 at 9:57 am

    bahaha, hilarious- you two crack me up!!!!

    well, next time, you can just have him make you some when he wants to watch football… and you can relax and read! 🙂

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In
    November 29, 2010 at 10:00 am

    Haha it’s hard not to win! My Chili definitely wasn’t the crowd favorite at our cook off this year…but it was also vegetarian and full of mushrooms. I guess I was cooking to please MY palate, not everyone else’s!

    You still win the macaroon contest.

  • nickee
    November 29, 2010 at 10:06 am

    I’ll come over! 🙂 I’ve made your recipe before and it’s good! Oooh can we have Adam’s recipe too? 😀

    • jenna
      November 29, 2010 at 10:06 am

      I’m working on getting it from him!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    November 29, 2010 at 10:06 am

    Hehhe this made me smile!! (And I bet Adam is still reminding you about how he won!!) I’m totally in the mood for chili now. 😀

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    November 29, 2010 at 10:07 am

    First off, I always want to come over for dinner.
    Second, this post stole my heart. But not as much as a big bowl of that chili would 😉

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks
    November 29, 2010 at 10:07 am

    Wow.

    I’m glad I will never have to suffer a defeat like this. My boyfriend thinks cooking is when you put a Red Barron french bread pizza into the microwave. Not even into the oven. The microwave. The oven “takes too long”.

    He also believes that offering to be the one to order and buy the chinese delivery counts as cooking.

    Wow again.

    Despite the fact that I will never lose the chili challenge to my loved one,

    I would still like to go to a wine bar and have ricotta beignets and flourless chocolate cake.

    Truth.

  • Kelly
    November 29, 2010 at 10:10 am

    That’s hilarious! I would have voted for you! 🙂

  • Maria
    November 29, 2010 at 10:11 am

    How fun! I am sure they are both tasty:)

  • MMiller
    November 29, 2010 at 10:13 am

    Too funny Jenna! They both looked really good! Maybe you should have tested them on their own without rice or Macaroni! (I am a rice girl myself) And I am not big on beans! But I am now craving Chili! Freeze that stuff in single servings to eat for months!

  • Laura
    November 29, 2010 at 10:13 am

    If it’s any consolation your chili is my go-to chili recipe!

    • jenna
      November 29, 2010 at 10:14 am

      thanks, Laura! (sniff sniff)

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal
    November 29, 2010 at 10:14 am

    You two are SO cute. And both chilis sound amazing to me!

  • Deanna
    November 29, 2010 at 10:16 am

    LOVE IT! This should have been on film.

  • LindseyAnn
    November 29, 2010 at 10:16 am

    1. Your chili SOUNDS better, if that’s any consolation.
    2. I love that picture of you two. It makes me happy to know there’s another couple out there that takes equally as goofy photos as my boyfriend and me.

  • Lauren
    November 29, 2010 at 10:19 am

    So fun! I love to make different recipes, and my boyfriend always helps make it better because he knows how to use tons of spices right, especially when it’s making hot, spicy recipes.

  • Therese
    November 29, 2010 at 10:21 am

    Oh my gosh! Ha! My boyfriend and I did a chili cook-off around this time last year! We had two crock pots in the house at the time and decided it was game time and had two friends come over to judge.

    I kicked his butt! And yes, we had chili for weeks….

  • R @ Learning As I Chop
    November 29, 2010 at 10:22 am

    That is awesome. Now I want to make some chili….

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking
    November 29, 2010 at 10:23 am

    Love this post! You two crack me up 🙂 Both chili’s sound wonderful, but personally I would prefer yours – more my style. My husband would like Adam’s though!

  • Rebeca
    November 29, 2010 at 10:23 am

    It was the beef… you would have won them over with it… sad. I know.

    What “trashy Christian romance novels” do you read? I’m a Lori Wick, Jannette Oke, Francine Rivers, T. Davis Bunn (etc etc etc) fan and have tons and tons of them if you’re ever interested in a swap 🙂

    • jenna
      November 29, 2010 at 10:24 am

      Karen Kingsbury…reading the Baxter family series and averaging one book a day…thinking about driving to all the different library branches in my county today to collect the next four books (sick, I know).

      • Laura
        November 29, 2010 at 10:29 am

        My mom has the entire series (so far? Is she through writing it?) and I’m on book 4 right now. It’s good stuff. Much more addicting reads than I’d anticipated.

  • Alaina
    November 29, 2010 at 10:28 am

    At my house, chili was always served over rice!

  • Laura
    November 29, 2010 at 10:28 am

    My husband’s chili whoops my tush every time too. I have to admit defeat and let the boy have his star dish.

  • Liz
    November 29, 2010 at 10:31 am

    With the chilly weather (ha….), chili seems like the perfect comfort food!! Maybe I’ll have to whip some up tonight!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
    November 29, 2010 at 10:33 am

    Too cute!!! And too hilarious that you had an impromptu chili battle. And I have to say beef in chili tends to win in my book. I can somehow always tell the difference with chili. I like to do a 50/50 beef/turkey combo usually.

  • becky
    November 29, 2010 at 10:33 am

    That was a very O Henry-esque ending! I definitely didn’t think he’d win!

    I have made your (Beth’s?) white chicken chili a handful of times and it always gets rave reviews. In fact, every recipe of yours I make gets rave reviews!

    You should have a bake off next! There’s no way he can bake…right? 🙂

  • Anne P
    November 29, 2010 at 10:35 am

    Lol I love this post. Miss you two!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
    November 29, 2010 at 10:35 am

    Aw, so cute!!! SO sad you lost but hey, boy’s have to be good at SOME things!

  • Kristen
    November 29, 2010 at 10:37 am

    Oooh…that one hurts. If it makes you feel better, one of the best versions of chili that I’ve ever made was based on your turkey chili recipe.

    Enjoy the leftovers.

  • Caleb
    November 29, 2010 at 10:43 am

    I didn’t know that about chili… that it gets better the longer it sits. Ill have to remember that when my wife and I make chili latter this week.

  • Erin
    November 29, 2010 at 10:46 am

    This post pretty much made my day. So stinkin’ cute 🙂
    Both look deeeelicious. Although the bowl of yours looks better–purely for elbow macaroni and lots and lots of cheese.
    Also, I can’t help but share this recipe link. I don’t know why, as you surely don’t want to make stew after that, but it was a recent recipe I tried with my boyfriend and it’s SO easy and SO surprisingly delicious. He went to school in Wisconsin, and is obsessed with all the foods in Madison.

    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/THE-GREAT-DANE-INNER-WARMTH-PEANUT-STEW-1236084

  • Heather
    November 29, 2010 at 10:48 am

    Ahh you guys are so fun! My boyfriend and I get inspiration from your fun filled dates and competitions 🙂

  • Laura
    November 29, 2010 at 10:49 am

    You guys are so cute! I love the joy and curiosity that you approach cooking with. It’s contagious because it always makes me want to go home and cook something!

  • Holly
    November 29, 2010 at 10:55 am

    okay, so i mean this in the nicest of ways: is there such a thing as a trashy Christian romance novel? like, i am seriously intrigued.

  • Hilray
    November 29, 2010 at 10:56 am

    I sort of miss Adam being called Almanzo. lol

  • Marina
    November 29, 2010 at 10:57 am

    such an awesome competition, I wish I did something like this with my bf too. But he’s not into cooking 😀

  • Mauimandy@Thegrainsofparadise
    November 29, 2010 at 11:01 am

    You are hilarious! I love this! I’m a vegetarian so I won’t be making any chili…..However, my family is from Texas and they are pretty serious about their chili too. I don’t think I’d dare compete hahaaaa 🙂 aloha

  • kate
    November 29, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Maybe it was the rice!

  • Danielle
    November 29, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Ah, this is wonderful! I actually suck at making chili… so just so you know, you’d beat me any day :).

    Also, I’m coming over for dinner. I make suck at making at, but I rock at eating a great big, comfortable bowl. Bring it on!

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
    November 29, 2010 at 11:11 am

    I think my lesson from this is, that if I ever make your turkey chili recipe, I am making it with beef.

    Also, I am fascinated by the fact that your boyfriend complains about the fact that he doesn’t get to cook for you. Mine has the opposite complaint: “why do I have to be the one to make dinner all the time?” Because you are just so good at it, dear! Seriously, I butcher all his best recipes.

  • Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
    November 29, 2010 at 11:30 am

    Too funny! This is like a throwdown challenge. Can he share his recipe to the rest of the world?

  • Marie
    November 29, 2010 at 11:31 am

    Okay so somewhere along the line I missed the post where you revealed his real name and I was secretly so excited to finally find it out- is that weird? that’s weird right? oops.

  • stacey-healthylife
    November 29, 2010 at 11:32 am

    You guys are so cute.

  • Suzanne e e Cornelia
    November 29, 2010 at 11:33 am

    That was fun. Was glued to your writing. Trashy romance novels, wine, chili. I heart Fall!

    Went over to vote for you & your Whooopi Pumpkin Pies!

  • Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
    November 29, 2010 at 11:44 am

    This is so cute. Just remember, there’s nothing better than a man who cooks!!

  • Jessica ~ haute teapot
    November 29, 2010 at 11:50 am

    Too cute! If it’s any consolation, I totally made vegetarian chili Saturday night using my great grandparents’ crock pot – BUT added red wine just like your recipe called for.

    I should have just made yours though–perfect with spaghetti noodles!

  • D
    November 29, 2010 at 11:52 am

    Number one–beef beats turkey every time for chili!
    Number two–never have a chili cook off with someone from Texas!
    Your number one fan! D.

    • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
      November 29, 2010 at 12:48 pm

      I beg to differ! 😉

      I made a turkey chili, in a contest against born and bred Texans (I’m from Connecticut) and I totally won. 🙂

      I should also mention that my chili was not spicy. 🙂

  • Amber K
    November 29, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    Not a fan of chili with meat (isn’t that chili con carne?) To me chili means all beans baby!

  • salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
    November 29, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    this looks like so much fun!!!

  • Mary
    November 29, 2010 at 12:06 pm

    Can we have his recipe?!? Yours is great so if his beat yours it must be excellent!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    November 29, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    I love this post! It’s so fun to read!

    I buy all 3 of those exact seasonings and just tried to save money on chili powder and bought the store brand and it’s not the same as mccormick’s, just a footnote for ya. Even my hubs who doesnt notice things like that was like, hmmm, what is different about this chili? Oh dear, I tried to save 50 cents by buying store brand chili powder. Wont be doing that again!

    I bet your chili is awesome.

    And I hope you guys enjoy a week of chili powder and beans and chili. Sounds like you have plenty of it! A good problem to have 🙂

  • Alyssa
    November 29, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    Okay, we NEED his recipe! I usually don’t buy canned beans, but I LOVE those ranch beans.

  • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
    November 29, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    Oh no! haha sounds like it was a fun time though! I did a Chili Cook Off last year… It was one lonely New England girl against 6 born and bred Texans with a panel of 5 Texan men judges… Needless to say I won 🙂 actually not only did I win but my boyfriend came in LAST. 🙂

    Nothing beats homemade chili though!

    P.S. You can find my chili recipe on my blog 😉 (if anyone is interested)

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope
    November 29, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    hahah this was hilarious. Not because you didn’t win,but just the whole set up. Don’t worry, Jenna, I’m sure you make about 99% of other dishes better than him

  • colleen
    November 29, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    This post reminded me of a chili cook-off we had at my previous employer a few years ago. I was new to the firm and a transplant’Yankee’ in North Carolina. The odds of me winning were low given the fact all the guys were gung-ho (southern boys with everything to proof). Howevere at the end of the day I actually won the title and walked away with a $50 gift card.

  • Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
    November 29, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    this is too cute! love it. And chili, as long as it’s homemade, is never ever bad. So I’m sure yours was just great too 🙂
    love,
    cathy b. @brightbakes

    • jenna
      November 29, 2010 at 12:46 pm

      Thanks, Cathy! And thanks for your sweet comment on TK!

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble
    November 29, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    That’s so funny! Sorry you lost, but now you know your bf can cook! 😉

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    November 29, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    Oh… how I wish my husband even know where to begin with chili. Or soup. Or anything other than eggs and pre-made burgers.

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    November 29, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    Haha…a chili cook-off. I love it. 😀

  • Jil @ Big City, Lil' Kitchen
    November 29, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    That picture of you and Adam is priceless.

  • Camille
    November 29, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    Oh no!
    Well, at least you know you got a good one 🙂

  • Sarah
    November 29, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    You guys deserve each other! I say that with all the love in my heart 🙂

    During my first year of marriage, D and I set up a formal online poll to determine whether you needed to send thank you notes for Christmas gifts. D didn’t grow up doing this (?!!!) and thought it was “outdated, or southern.” I couldn’t believe it! Luckily, my rude husband got his rear handed to him in our online poll and he was forced to write thank you notes. His thank you notes weren’t very thoughtful–i.e. “thank you for the gift. I will use it a lot. Love, D”–but at least I didn’t have to hide, or divorce him.

    • jenna
      November 29, 2010 at 1:33 pm

      Aww love you and miss you, Sarah!!

  • Jen
    November 29, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    Yes…but can he bake? 🙂

    • Adam B.
      November 29, 2010 at 5:21 pm

      why yes… yes I can. I’m no Jenna, but I’ve got a a few tricks up my sleeves.

      • Jen
        November 29, 2010 at 5:53 pm

        New Bake-Off Challenge??!!

  • Toque Girls
    November 29, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    Maybe he paid off the judges? Love the post.

  • Lida
    November 29, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    This is just… an awesome post.
    Love the foodie activities you guys do together– the retro picnic, etc.
    Next time, put some chocolate in your chili!

  • Melissa
    November 29, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    Love the post – I hope you post Adam’s recipe soon!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate
    November 29, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    I’m sure yours was just as delish. You definitely put me in the mood for chili!

  • Kelsey
    November 29, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Excellent post, very cute narrative 😉

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
    November 29, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Good Texas boy!

    Chili ain’t the official state dish of Texas for nothin’! 😉

    Though, why he put BEANS in it is beyond me. SO not Texas chili.

    But they’re ranch style, so I can forgive. 🙂

  • CathyK
    November 29, 2010 at 2:32 pm

    this is truly a classic post from you, jenna! i love it! thanks for such a fun read.

  • Lu
    November 29, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    If Adam won this cook-off, I have to have the recipe! Please post it. Please. With powdered sugar and ganache on top?

  • Jaime Ramsay
    November 29, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    Love this post – you guys are a lot of fun!

  • Sarah @ OC2Seattle
    November 29, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    Adam had me at beef – add that cayenne pepper and it was all over 😉

  • Conni
    November 29, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    I will totally come over for dinner. I love me some chili!!!
    Thursday sound good??

  • Liana @ femme fraiche
    November 29, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    hahah that post was hilarious! It takes a strong person to admit when they lose! But I’m sure your chili was delicious too!!

    ppps-yessss please have me for dinner!

  • Kelly
    November 29, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    It must be a Texas thing because I always eat chili over rice. I have actually never heard of chili being served over macaroni noodles. But they both look fantastic!

  • Jess-the Semi Abnormal Gal
    November 29, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    It sounds like you guys had a blast! My grandfather is from Texas, and he makes both He-an Chili (for those who love the heat) and She-an chili (which will still scorch your tastebuds!) I love them both…but I stand firm on serving over pasta, not rice. Ick.

    Mail me some and I’ll do a taste-test from Florida…..(I’m not really kidding! hehe)

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    November 29, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    He may have won at chili, but I bet you can kick his butt at pie making. 😉

  • Cara Craves...
    November 29, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    I hosted I chili party the other weekend…
    I still have leftovers!
    Some stashed in the freezer for another time and
    some still in my fridge.

  • ella
    November 29, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    OMG Jenna. Hang onto this one. If I ever heard the words “You never let me cook for you!” come out of my husband’s mouth, I would fall over dead from shock.

  • jess
    November 29, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    you guys are a match made in heaven!!! loved this story;) i wish i got to taste those chilis!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit
    November 29, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    Wicked cute.

  • Leslie
    November 29, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    Y’all are too cute. But why on earth you put chili on top of macaroni OR rice is beyond me. I’m a purist!

    Dying to see Adam’s recipe. I’m intrigued! Don’t feel badly – he’s from Texas, he has to make good chili!

  • Charise
    November 29, 2010 at 5:01 pm

    That just wasn’t a fair competition … I make turkey chili every now and then to be “healthier”, but there’s just no contest against beefy chili goodness.

    Booo to the rice and pasta – none of that business in my chili, please!

    Looks like you guys had fun doing this!

  • Leslie
    November 29, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    I have followed your blog religiously for a year and have never left a comment til today!! My weekly menu was planned Sunday … Mon: Jenna’s chili. So when I read today’s post I LOL ! My husband LOVES your chili! He is a southern boy and I’m a native Californian! I grew up in lake tahoe but now call Little Rock home. Anyway, I think you are adorable and an amazing writer!

  • Pam (Holistic Health Coach)
    November 29, 2010 at 5:17 pm

    Tina also made chili today, too funny!
    I love turkey chili so you’ve got my vote. It’s only fair that the boy from Texas gets the victory in a chili competition. Glad he voted for yours though!!

  • Rachel Wilkerson
    November 29, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    How fun! So…do we get the winning recipe??

  • Wine Girl (Kitchen Doesn't Travel)
    November 29, 2010 at 6:04 pm

    Hilarious! I love it!

  • holly
    November 29, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    hahaha you can’t have a chili cook-off against a Texan. We will always win!!

  • Page
    November 29, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    Haha, I love that victorious photo at the end and I love even more that you two can have such an awesome challenge together. I’ll still try your Chili though 😉

  • Charlotte
    November 29, 2010 at 6:53 pm

    I thought you’d never ask! I’d LOVE to come for dinner and have you feed me!

  • Christine (The Raw Project)
    November 29, 2010 at 6:55 pm

    Ha, cute post! I need to try this with my hubby to see how my vegan stuff stacks up to his meat loaded stuff. 🙂

  • Kim
    November 29, 2010 at 6:58 pm

    Agreeing with the rest of the commenters – love this post! What a great food party idea. You guys could do a monthly challenge! So much fun.

  • Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
    November 29, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    awww how fun!

  • Lee @ College Foodie Finds
    November 29, 2010 at 7:38 pm

    This is super cute! Love this competition. Love chili.

  • Leigh
    November 29, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    It’s all in the beef my friend … no wonder he won ! I’m sure your chili was outstanding!

  • Allie
    November 29, 2010 at 8:47 pm

    Too cute!! Y’all sound like you have a lot of fun together. Would Adam share his recipe with your blog? Can’t wait to try yours too, Jenna! It’s getting to be Chili type of weather in Virginia 🙂

  • Rachel
    November 29, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Ugh! Now I’m hungry again, lol! 🙂

  • Sana
    November 29, 2010 at 9:05 pm

    Bahahahahah. Please invite all bloggers to your wedding and feed us. kthanksbye

  • Lindsey @ Morningstar Project
    November 29, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    You are a gracious chili loser. I think sometimes the boys win on comfort food, my husband makes the hands down best grilled cheese and tomato soup. So we have to let them win every now and then 😉

  • Amy @ Serve at Once
    November 29, 2010 at 11:39 pm

    Domestic cooking competitions definitely get the adrenaline pumping. If it helps, I salivated at both bowls of chili–delicious!

    You are a wise woman to pick your battles carefully; I applaud you in this regard.

  • Anjali Shah
    November 30, 2010 at 12:17 am

    What a great contest! 🙂 The last time I made chili I put a dash of cocoa powder in it which added a great smoky flavor along with chili powder. Thanks for sharing both of your recipes!!

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    November 30, 2010 at 3:11 am

    love it! my husband had a chili cook-off with friends for superbowl one year – i think there were 3 or 4 different chilis… things got very personal! my husband used my recipe and won:-)

  • Sara
    November 30, 2010 at 4:32 am

    Ha, that was a funny story 🙂 You two should have cook-offs more often.

  • Kristy
    November 30, 2010 at 4:58 am

    Super cute story 🙂 “I’ve learned to pick my battles” – The best words one can speak!

  • LisaR
    November 30, 2010 at 6:57 am

    so cute!

  • Amy R
    November 30, 2010 at 10:26 am

    Texas. Enough said ;). Gig ‘Em!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    November 30, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    What an awesome spur-of-the-moment event, especially for the judges! Though, aren’t they afraid they’ll never be invited again? 😉

  • Johnnyp
    November 30, 2010 at 8:57 pm

    i’m pretty sure i beat him when we lived together…we’ll have to have a re-match in the future! There is no match for my new recipe 🙂

    • Adam Beaugh
      December 1, 2010 at 7:40 pm

      I’m pretty sure you need to get your facts straight. I was a judge in said cook off, not a contestant. You better watch your dirty mouth.

  • Jessica
    December 1, 2010 at 9:52 am

    I have been making chili a lot lately (with rave reviews) since the weather got colder and have been making it with ground turkey, corn, black beans, garlic, peppers, onions, and the usual seasonings….the secret ingredient(s)? unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate. i can’t describe the taste it gives but it’s absolutely delicious!!

  • Jess
    December 1, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    I made your turkey chili last night–it is delicious! 😀

  • Courtney
    December 2, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    Speaking of Christian romance novels, have you read any of Lori Wick’s stuff? She bases a lot of her books in the 1800’s which I love!

  • Hayley
    December 4, 2010 at 8:09 am

    Haha!! So fun and cute. I giggled out loud a couple times while reading. This is why I love your blog!

  • Sharon
    December 5, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    Just thought I’d add that I made your turkey chili recipe last night and it was a huge hit-but I have to say i think it needed just a little more heat-at least for me and my SO (his daughter and mom liked it as is….but they don’t like hot like we do!) If you were to add cayenne to your original recipe, how much do you think? A teaspoon?

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  • Sonya
    February 21, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Being from Texas he should be able to do chili. Challenge him to a cake baking contest!

  • Megan
    October 7, 2011 at 6:58 am

    Just curious — did you ever get around to posting Adam’s recipe? Thanks!

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