The Nederland Fire Department (NFD) held their Chili Cook-off on Sunday, November 6, 2022. The 6th annual fundraising event featured 17 competitive chili recipes from Nederland locals and was held at Very Nice Brewing Company (VNBC), at 20 Lakeview Drive, suite 112, starting at 2 p.m.

The cost of entry was $3 per ticket, with a special deal of $8 for three tickets, and each ticket awarded the patron one 12-oz bowl. All proceeds from the 6th annual Chili Cook-Off go to support the NFD.

There were several varieties of chili entered into the competition, overseen by the owners and operators of VNBC Jeff and Susan Green, with each entry placed into one of two categories: green and red.

There were 12 traditional “red” chilis entered into the competition. Red chili is typically tomato-based and features a variety of beans, peppers, spices, and some type of protein. Locals prepared red chilis that highlighted venison, bison, pork sausage, ground beef, and many more options for the carnivores in attendance. However, there were also several vegetarian entries that heated up the competition, including a mushroom and zucchini chili recipe.

The “green” category was for all the entries featuring the Colorado staple green chiles. The sauce for traditional chili verde is composed of green chili peppers and tomatillos and typically features pork as its main protein. This year’s competitors showed up with five unique versions of Colorado green chili, showcasing a variety of culinary styles and creativity.

“This is shaping up to be one heckuva competition at The Very Nice Brewing Company. Folks are bringing their ‘A’ game,” Jeff Green posted on Facebook. “This is what I’ve prepared for. I have to believe in myself. Trust my training.” Green jokes.

Eric Abramson, Conor Moran, Mandi Papich, and Scott Papich represented the NFD and served as judges for the 6th annual Chili Cook-Off, basing their judgments of each of the 17 entries on Color, Aroma, Consistency, Taste, and After-taste.

The judges awarded Anita Feeley the runner-up prize of a $20 gift certificate to VNBC for her red chili which featured bacon, ground chuck, kidney and pinto beans, and beer.

Chris Fields won runner-up in the green category for his smokey and spicy green chili that showcased smoked jalapenos along with smoked pulled pork, and the Royal We IPA from VNBC.

Kathy Kelley won first place in the red category and was rewarded with a 32-ounce stainless steel growler with one free fill from VNBC. Her red chili was a hit with the judges and with the crowd, featuring classic red chili ingredients with the perfect combination of initial taste and a spicy kick at the finish.

Heather Williams won first place for the third year in a row with her hearty and satisfying green chili which highlighted Hatch and mirasol chile peppers with cumin and coriander. Overall, when topped with the cheese and sour cream provided by VNBC, the quintessential meal on a cold Sunday.

The 6th annual Chili Cook-Off raised $464 from the ticket sales alone, with an additional $250 donated by Jeff and Susan Green on behalf of VNBC making a grand total of $714 raised for the Nederland Fire Department.

“Thank you to all the folks who made the delicious chili. These were all amazing; your time and effort made this a success!” VNBC posted on their official Facebook page. “Thank you to the volunteers who served everyone! And thank you to the judges and to members of the Ned Fire Department… we appreciate you and all that you do!”