I love a good fight

I’m home, minding my own business, when I get a text from our friend Joey that said:

“I challenge you to a chili cook-off.  The recipe must include a side of hot sauce including Pantalones Enfuego Habaneros found in my freezer.  The judges will choose anonymously and the winner is featured on a top shelf blog, Run Run Rhubarb.”

At this point, we sling some fighting words back and forth and I accept the challenge.

I'm going to use some of my canned peppers to win this chili cook-off.

I made a promise when I started Run Run Rhubarb that I would always tell the truth.  Here’s the truth about chili and I – I basically strongly dislike it under most circumstances.  Smelling it cold and left over in the fridge, sends me running and begging my husband to get rid of it. I hate the look of floating meat (gross I know, but I’ve pretty much always been this way). The first chili that I loved was made by my friend Jamie.  It’s sweet, spicy, and vegetarian (with an occasional sweet potato).  My friend Kelly’s is awesome too – thick, also vegetarian, and served over a roll. My recipe is inspired by both Kelly and Jamie and it uses my mother-in-law’s homemade salsa.

OK, so I have to win this thing with a vegetarian chili.  Curious about the recipe? So am I!  I’m a free stylin’ chili makin’ type of gal.  I’ll write it down as I go.  The results will be shared on this website. I’ll even tell you if I get my ladle handed to me. In regards to the  “side of hot sauce” I have a few ideas in mind…

Why couldn’t someone send me a smack talking text challenging me to a pie bake off or a jam competition?