Red hot chili party
Fall is here, and on Sundays the sweet aroma of rich, hearty chili summons Packer-watching Wisconsinites from their couches to sally forth into their kitchens, where they ladle thick stew into bowls topped with minced onions and dollops of fresh sour cream. Chili maniacs who want to hone their skills can go further than the kitchen for the first installment of the Gio’s Garden Chili Cook Off, on Oct. 9 from noon to 7 p.m. at Warner Park. Local chefs will show their hot stuff in a veritable battle royal of chili cooking. It’s a family-friendly affair with games for the little ones, live music (Jimmy Newquist of Caroline’s Spine and Redemption), and beer; the whole shebang benefits the soon-to-open Gio’s Garden, a respite care facility. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate. Beware those hanging out downwind of this inevitably flatulent event.
FATSOMETER: 3. The real belly blow-out comes later at home, when you’ve applied new chili ideas to a giant crock pot full of spicy smoked pork, beans, and bacon goodness.
