Rajun Cajun Buffalo Chili Takes Home Title at Industrial Strength Chili Cookoff

Smoking hot chili won over taste buds at the Gulfport Industrial Arts Center's Third Annual Chili Cookoff.

Smoked buffalo was the special ingredient in Stephen and Clara Spicer's grand prize winning chili. Stephen Spicer’s home cooked recipe,"Rajun Cajun Buffalo Chili", was the favorite of 12 chilis at the Sept. 10 fundraiser, which helps support the non-profit's education programs.

Cooks ladled up their special recipes for the competition, and some shared a few tips for the everyday chef.

Bryce Jardine suggested a mixture of textures.

“I use an assortment of beans- kidney, black and great northern. I mix ground beef and stew beef for different textures. Chili is just a very wholesome comfort food. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed,” Jardine said.

Mother of three, Robin Ross, shared her "Mom's Best Chili Con Carne." She said one secret of cooking for kids is, "Let them try all kinds of things for the experience of different cuisines from different cultures."

Melissa Mince favors the flavors of the southwest. Her Route 66 chili had black beans and corn. "I just like its flavor," she said.

The judges and the public liked the savory, southwestern chili, too. Mince’s chili came in second overall and was the People's Choice Favorite.

Raffaele Santaniello encourages eating your vegetables. "I have been cooking all my life . . . 55 years. The secret to my chili is the sweet red peppers, green peppers, onions, and celery. And I guarantee no heart burn," he said of his milder but flavorful dish.

For Chili Mambo, cooks Bernie Vinoski and Edgar Farfan, make it slow.

"It's slow-roasted meats, blended with vegetables cooked in the meat. Then we add beans and simmer for six hours," Vinoski said.

Chili winners include:

• First Place Overall: Stephen and Clara Spicer
• Second Place Overall: Melissa Mince
• Third Place overall: The Peninsula Inn
• People's Choice Favorite: Melissa Mince
• People's Choice Second Place: Diane Harnish

Salsa was new at this year's cook-off. Participants sampled seven different salsas. The salsa winners include:

• First Place: Howie Kantor
• Second Place: Rose-Marie Seawall

Salsa cooks shared some tips.

"I use fresh ingredients- fresh limes... I use roasted garlic and roasted paprika. The flavors are not as harsh. I add the cilantro to it, right before serving.” Seawall said.

Making salsa is about balance Harnish said. “I balance spicy with sweet and I add just a pinch of sugar,” she said.

*****

To learn more about the Industrial Arts Center check out their website. Interested in creating a one-of-a-kind glass masterpiece or even a glass blown pumpkin this fall, contact the Industrial Arts Center at (727) 289-9365.

The Industrial Arts Center is located at: 2902A Beach Blvd. S.