Chili Cook-Off at Asbury United Methodist Church Satisfied All Tastes

Some liked it hot. Some liked it vegetarian.

People poured into Asbury United Methodist Church on a rainy March 6 to sample about 30 chili recipes in a Chili Cook-off that attracted chefs and amateur cooks from across the Lehigh Valley.

It was all to benefit Habitat for Humanity, as people voted for their favorite chili dish, including the Best Chili from a Rookie and the Chili that Tastes Most Like Mom's.

The cook-off brought together members from The Barn, a non-denominational church that meets at the Swain School in Salisbury, Keneseth Israel in Allentown, Muhlenberg College, Asbury United Methodist, and La Trinidad Church.

Photographer Betty Cauler was there for Patch, capturing the cooks and the tasters.

The friendly competition was close. Here are the winners:

* People's Choice First Place Professional:  Adam Gangewere From Cactus Blue Mexican Restaurant, 'Award Winning Cactus Blue Chili' 

* People's Choice First Place Amateur:  Joe Kalinosky and Ken Anderson, 'Quit Jerkin Me Around'

* People's Choice Second Place Amateur: Joyce Sivell, 'Joyce's Chili - A Figment of Her Imagination'

* People's Choice Third Place Amateur:  Brian Dillman, 'Badman's Best Double Fire Beef Chili'

* Most Like Mom's:  Grace Rohrbach, 'Graceful Chili'

* Least Like Mom's: Madeline Gonzalez-Lopez, 'Picadillo'

* Devil's Own:  Frank Paretti, 'Frank's Milwaukee Style Chili'

* Best Non-Traditional Chili: Dick Brown and Eric Boyle, 'B&B Barn Burning Chili'

* Best Presentation:  Sarah Fullton, 'Redneck Roadkill Chili'

* Best Chili from a Rookie: Laurel Campbell, 'Laurel's Veggie Chili'

* Worthy of Next Asbury Food Network Star: Jeff Hoover, 'Hot Mini Skirt Steak Chili'

* Best First Date Chili: Eric Rappaport, 'Wanton White Chili'

* Bruce Lee Chili (has a real kick):  Asbury Youth, 'Green Bottle Chili'

* Esau Chili (Esau would sell his birthright for a bowl):  Chris McBride (Allentown Brew Works), 'Turkey Mango Chili'