By Misty DUPLESSIS

On Friday, Feb. 17 Dunsmore Elementary PTA encouraged students to explore their culinary side for the second annual chili cook-off in celebration of Founder’s Day.

The family event was open to all students and family and friends of the school looking to fill their crock-pots with a variety of chili.

Many students used the opportunity to team up, form groups and let their cooking ability shine.

This year, 10 chili recipes were entered into the contest in which contestants competed to win a medal, a special ladle and a prestigious title. The recipes were judged by a blind taste test.

Not only did the judges’ dinner tasting include a variety of savory chili, but cornbread, refreshments and dessert were part of the night’s gastronomic delight.

After judging took place, four chili making teams earned bragging rights in the categories of Hot Stuff (spiciest), Good Ol’/Plain Ol’ (traditional), Happy Cow (vegetarian) and Grand Supreme (best overall).

Attendees were also given the chance to cast their votes for the best overall chili after tasting the submissions.

Sixth grade twin brothers Evan and Ian Danaowski were named the winners of the Grand Supreme category, taking home the special ladle.

The Danaowski brothers were no strangers to the first place award. The boys housed the ladle last year after being named 2011 Grand Supreme winners. With a little help from their mother, the boys used their grandmother’s recipe to impress the judges as well as the crowd.

Overall, the event brought many families together and gave students the chance to share some great recipes with the community.

“We had a good turnout,” said vice president of Volunteers Tracy Brown adding that the PTA hopes to make this family event an annual tradition that includes the esteemed passing of the ladle.

  MISTY DUPLESSIS