Make-A-Wish hosts Chili Cookoff in Chicago

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Sunday, October 18, 2015
Make-A-Wish hosts Chili Cookoff in Chicago
Eighteen Chicago-area restaurants and catering companies are going head-to-head on Oct. 25 for the third-annual Chili Kickoff Cookoff for Make-A-Wish.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Eighteen Chicago-area restaurants and catering companies are going head-to-head on Oct. 25 for the third-annual Chili Kickoff Cookoff for Make-A-Wish.

The fun-filled event begins at noon at McQ's Sports Dome in Bolingbrook. This chili-cooking competition, which features live music, silent-auction items, prizes and even a 32-team cornhole tournament, will pit the culinary creations of professional teams and three teams of amateur chefs to crown the best chili in the area. The real winner, however, is Make-A-Wish Illinois. The first Chili Kickoff Cookoff raised more than $21,000, and last year's event took in $60,000.

Tens of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters help Make-A-Wish grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. In the United States and its territories, on average, a wish is granted every 37 minutes.

Director of the Chili Kickoff Cookoff for Make-A-Wish Matt Schnell and Chef Owner of Culinary Artistry Catering Claudia Biespiel, visited ABC7 Eyewitness News to preview the upcoming event.

Chili Kickoff Cookoff for Make-A-Wish

Sunday, Oct. 25

Noon to 5 p.m.

McQ's Sports Dome, 730 North Bolingbrook Drive, Bolingbrook, Ill. 60440

Admission/ticket prices: $20 online, $30 at the door, $100 to register for a two-person team to compete in our cornhole tournament ($100 entry fee includes entry into the event)

Deadline to register: Oct. 24 to buy online; tickets will be available at the door, but price will be $30 instead of $20.

RECIPE:

Turkey Chili with Corn and Black Bean

Ingredients:

1 Large onion (medium chopped)

4 oz. each of diced green, red, and yellow peppers

1 ear of corn roasted and cut off cob

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 pounds of ground turkey

2 15 oz. cans of tomato sauce

1 pound of cooked and drained red kidney beans

6 oz. of cooked and drained black beans

6 oz. of tomato paste

2 1/2 cups of vegetable or chicken stock

3 tablespoons of chili powder

1 tablespoon of Guava paste

1 tablespoon of apple cider half

1/2 teaspoon of salt

2 garlic cloves finely chopped or minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon of dried oregano

1/2 cup of apple sauce

Preparation: In a large Dutch oven, saute onions and peppers in oil until tender. Add ground turkey over medium heat until brown, stir until crumble. Drain off any excess oil. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour or desired thickness. Serve over parsley rice. Garnish with sour cream, chopped onions, and grated cheddar cheese.

LINKS:

http://www.chilikickoffcookoff.com

http://www.facebook.com/chilikickoffcookoff

http://wish.org/