Bright School Third Grader Wins Chili Cookoff

Friday, October 30, 2009
Thomas Shikoh
Thomas Shikoh

Third grader and budding chef Thomas Shikoh won the first annual Bright School Chili Cookoff held in conjunction with the school Fall Bonanza on Oct. 24.

Thomas loves spicy foods and he loves to cook, so chili was a natural dish for him to prepare. Now “Thomas’Tasty Chili” can be renamed “Thomas’ Tasty, Award-Winning Chili.”

Thomas received a giftcard to Mia Cucina for his first-place win. Best of all? Thomas has agreed to share his prize-winning recipe.

Thomas’s Tasty Chili
7 pounds lean ground beef
4 medium onions, chopped
3 29-ounce cans tomato sauce
1 48-ounce can of vegetable juice (V8)
2 28 oz. cans tomatoes, diced, use liquid
3 1.

25 oz. packages prepared chili seasoning (spicy)
5 16-oz. cans red kidney beans, drained
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons chili powder (Thomas prefers Mexican-style)
½ teaspoon Tabasco
1 Tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

In a large pot, brown ground beef with onions. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for at least two hours. This chili can be made in advance and actually peaks in flavor the next day. The recipe serves 25 – you may want to cut it in half unless you are feeding a small army! Thomas suggests serving with grated cheese, chopped onions and sour cream on top. Enjoy!


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