chili cook-off

A few weeks ago some friends of ours hosted a chili cook-off so that we could hear about their friends' ministry with campus crusade. It was a great time of fellowship and we were able to hear how God is using their friends to impact college students' lives. Their were children everywhere and lots of different types of chili. All in all, I think we had five or six different chilis; Jake sampled every single one! He loved the chili and cornbread! He just sat on the floor and opened his mouth for bites like a baby bird! The other kids didn't seem quite as interested in the chili as Jake. In fact, the older kids were so busy playing that they didn't want to stop to eat. No worries. Jake happily munched on their food as well. Their parents thought it was hilarious how much Jake can eat and how interested he is in food that they kept offering him new things to try. He had goldfish, cheez-its, and some type of organic cookies. He was in heaven!

The winning chili was made by my friend Trisha. It was delicious. It says it's sweet and spicy, but Mark liked it so it can't be too spicy. We think it tasted more sweet than spicy. Here's the recipe if you're interested in trying it out. Enjoy!


Matt's Sweet & Spicy Chili
2lbs ground beef
1 large onion
6 garlic cloves
2 cans (15oz) chili beans
2 cans (14.5oz) petite diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp. Tony's creole seasoning
3 Tbsp. chili powder
9 Tbsp. brown sugar

Chop onions and garlic and put in crock pot. Brown ground beef and and add to crock pot. Add spices and sugar to crock pot. Stir. Add beans and tomatoes to crock pot. Stir. Cook on high for 3 hours, stirring every 1/2 hour (or cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally).

Some of the kids playing: Kaleb, Owen, Jake, and Corrie.

Chloe trying to climb in with Jake.

The play center Jake was in had wheels, and Chloe was pushing him around on the deck!