McDaniel named top chili cook in Gilchrist County

By Carrie A. Mizell

Though she was named Gilchrist County’s Best Chili Cook on Friday, Rosemary McDaniel said she hardly ever cooks.
A Sheriff’s Volunteer for 14 years, McDaniel said she was only too happy to compete in the Sheriff’s 1st Annual Chili Cook Off since it was a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
According to Arlene Cameron, captain of the Sheriff’s Relay team, $455 was raised at the event through entry fees and dinner sales.
Fifteen citizens dropped off chili on Friday morning in crockpots of various shapes and sizes. Chili ranged in style from traditional to gourmet varieties like white chicken chili, turkey chili and Indian chili, which offered both chicken and venison as key ingredients.

Gilchrist County Commissioner Randy Durden, Sheriff Daniel Slaughter and Commissioners D. Ray Harrison, Jr. and Tommy Langford congratulated Rosemary McDaniel (center) after she won the
Sheriff’s 1st Annual Chili Cook Off on Friday.

Several entries like the “Boiler Maker Chili,” “Chili With A Kick,” “Hot Lips” and the “Black and Blue Chili” prompted judges D. Ray Harrison, Jr., Tommy Langford and Randy Durden to seek relief in bottled water.
Ultimately, the esteemed panel of judges unanimously selected the winning bowl of chili, though Tommy Langford did say that all of the chili was very good.
After recovering somewhat from the surprise of being chosen the top chili cook in the county, McDaniel said that her chili is simple and traditional. Her recipe includes red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, ground sirloin, diced tomatoes, chili beans and Carroll Shelby’s Original Texas Brand Chili Kit™.
McDaniel was awarded a $50 cash prize, a trophy and a medal. A cash prize of $20 was given to the second place winner, Ayers Health and Rehabilitation. Third place went to Leo Fogler who also received a cash prize of $10.
Sheriff Daniel Slaughter, who was on hand for the event, praised the Sheriff’s Volunteers for making desserts and cornbread for the fundraiser.
“This is a great fundraiser for the community because the money is going to such a worth-while cause,” Slaughter said. “Cancer affects everyone of us in some way or another.”
Following the judging, the community was invited in to enjoy a chili lunch that included chili, cornbread, a drink and a homemade dessert for just $5.
A total of 91 chili lunches were sold on Friday as citizens fought off the cold weather with a warm bowl of chili.
On Tuesday, Arlene Cameron said the Sheriff’s Office hopes to make the chili cook off an annual fundraiser for the Relay For Life.