Spicy and sweet chili earns top honors
The top two spots in the 2016 open class chili cook-off Saturday afternoon at the Logan County Fair switched places from their 2015 finishes.
Katie Lacher of Bellefontaine celebrated as she was named grand champion, while Jocele McDonald of Bellefontaine was reserve champion.
Mrs. Lacher’s chili, complete with jalepenos, habaneros, smoked paprika and brown sugar, claimed first place in the spicy category.
“The smoked paprika and brown sugar give it a more sweet, smokey taste,” said Mrs. Lacher.
For Mrs. Lacher, competing in the competition is a family affair.
“It’s just for bragging rights,” said Mrs. Lacher. “We don’t care if we beat anyone else, just the family.”
Four family members participated this year. The family has been participating in the event for three years.
Jocele McDonald was named reserve grand champion of the chili cook-off. Her prize-winning chili earned her a first place ribbon in the unique category.
“I put chocolate chips in it,” said Mrs. McDonald. “My son (Peter McDonald) googled prize winning chili and it said put 1⁄4 cup of chocolate chips in it, and I said, ‘That’s it. That’s unique.’”
Mrs. McDonald was awarded best of show last year for her mild Christmas Eve Chili, while Mrs. Lacher was awarded reserve of show for her spicy chorizo chili.
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KATIE LACHER |
JOCELE MCDONALD |
