Expensive

(1:20) When it comes to fixing up the perfect pot of chili, there’s little consensus as to how to achieve the best results. “No can products,” said Larry Segura, whose company, Segura Lawn... more >

(1:20) When it comes to fixing up the perfect pot of chili, there’s little consensus as to how to achieve the best results. “No can products,” said Larry Segura, whose company, Segura Lawn Service, competed against 16 other entrants Saturday at the 10th annual Great Chili Challenge in City Park. “It needs to cook a while and the beans need to soak. I also use grade-A meat from Bi-Lo.” Mike Hester and Lindy Broussard, who cooked the grand champion pot of family-style chili for Centerpoint Energy, said the key is to avoid overdoing it. “You want to have a little bit of spice but not too much,” Hester said. Warren Gachassin, who cooked a spicy pot with his mother, Sandy, said it’s more about atmosphere and teamwork. Sandy, slightly reluctant to divulge her grandmother’s secret, added that she relies on fresh ingredients and cayenne pepper. On a day when a parking spot in City Park was hardly to be found with the library book sale and other events also being held, hundreds of people gathered around lines of tents to sample three different categories of chili family-style, hold on to your hat (the hot one, as the name implies) and heart healthy at the annual event sponsored by Highland Baptist Christian School. Organizer Heidi Delahoussaye said the number of participants was about average, though fewer than last year’s record of more than 30 booths. Families enjoyed live music in the park and children ran about in three different inflatable playgrounds. But it was all business at the judges’ tent where 13 brave souls took on the daunting task of determining the best pot of chili, a decision that would affect the egos and bragging rights of the participants for the next 12 months. Each judge sampled a 4-ounce serving of each chili and assigned a score of 1-5 , 5 being the best and 1 indicating “chili challenged.” Water bottles and crackers were on hand to help judges’ taste buds recuperate between samplings. The judges also determined the most-spirited and best-decorated booths. Last year’s event garnered more than $20,000, its biggest profit ever. Proceeds go to the school’s general fund and help pay for books and other expenses. How they did: Overall champion - Centerpoint Energy Family style 1st - Teche Federal Bank 2nd - Cox Communications 3rd - Community First Bank Heart Healthy 1st - Acadiana Hydraulic “Krewe of Lou” 2nd - Car Line Cruises 3rd - Highland Baptist Church “Alien Youth” Hold on to your hat (spicy) 1st - Acadiana Hydraulic “Krewe of Lou” 2nd - McIlhenny 3rd - Royal Security Solutions Most spirited 1st - Family Traditions 2nd - Car Line Cruises 3rd - First Baptist Church “Tuesday’s Men” Best-decorated booth 1st - Highland Baptist Church “Alien Youth” 2nd - Car Line Cruises 3rd - First Baptist Church “Tuesday’s Men” < less