Central Texas Tolbert Chili Group

JACC 5/28/2011 Blanco

     Susie & Doug Higgins did a fine job of hosting the 4th Annual Just A Chili Cookoff at Camp Ranger.   It was a small but dedicated group of chiliheads that gathered for a little friendly competition, some good food and plenty of time to gossip about those not in attendance.  

     Susie reports that between the bake sale, the live auction and entry fees, JACC raised about $450 for the Ladies State Chili Championship Operational Fund.  Not bad for just a chili cookoff with only 16 cooks.    
     Coming in, once again, all the way from Alvaredo, Jimmy Goodson was presented with a plaque of appreciation from Susie Higgins for having attended all LSCC events over the last five years.   Alvarado is close to Ft. Worth.  Jimmy was very surprised and quite touched by the gesture.   During his acceptance speach he got a little choked up so Susie moved in for the big hug, and pretty soon there were hugs being given and received all around.   We love you man!

     We'd also like to thank Debra Frey for snagging her brother Herb and talking him into coming down from Emory (up near Greenville) with her for the cookoff.  She's a great chili cook with a long and colorful history.  She tells wonderful stories and it's always a pleasure to see her smile and hear her giggle.  Great big CTTCG Smooches girlfriend!

     Jimmy Goodson brought down five cases of Rahr 
 beer for everyone to enjoy.  He even iced it down and an opener tethered to the roll-around cooler's handle.  There was an assortment of pale, dark and blonde beers from the Ft. Worth micro-brewery.  Jimmy is a Docent and volunteers his time at the Rahr Brewery conducting visitor tours.  In exchange they give to him what they call "short fills" they can't pass on to retailers.  Perfectly good bottles of beer that are perhaps an inch shy of being full.  He's more than happy to collect and bring it to the occasional cookoff for us.   Wowzers!  Even with a name like Ugly Pug, that stuff is really good!  Thank you Rahr Beer!  And again, thanks Jimmy!

     Big hugs to Reva Weatherly and Deba Center for so generously contributing some yummy looking baked goods to the JACC Bake Sale, as well as helping out with table monitoring and tallying chores.  You Ladies Rock!  

     Speaking of the Bake Sale, final tally was about $60, and folks got some real tasty bargains.  Fast Eddy bought the homemade Sweet Potato Pie for a premium price and then sliced it up and shared it and the can of whipped cream with the crowd.  Thanks Dude!  That was mighty nice of you! 

     Saving the best for last.  Never did mention the winner of the JACC did I?  Hmmmm.

     I'm seeing double these days and enjoying the fact that I'm now qualified to cook Behind the Store in Terlingua this November!  All the stats and a slide show are posted below.