Brook Highland Chili Cook-Off features ‘strange wild animals’ and lots of prayer

This year marked the 10th Anniversary of the Annual Wingfield Circle Chili Cook-off in Brook Highland. There are 15 houses on the circle, 17 dogs, a handful of cats and some 38 children ranging in age from kindergarten to college graduates.

 “Fall is officially here when football, armadillos and the Chili Cook-off arrives!” said homeowner Chris Connell.

This year featured nine chili entries – everything from sweet to spicy to downright exotic. Three adults and three children judged the culinary delights.

Third-place winner Mallory Carrington, in a mom-like-fashion, said she began cooking early.

“I was in my kitchen at 6 this morning making this chili only because my kids are so into the chili cook-off that the pressure to at least enter was non-negotiable!” she said. “I wanted to win this for all the kids out there who have a mommy who hates to cook but wake up extra early to put a pot of meat on the stove.”

Second place winner Steve Young won the competition in 2007 and 2008.

“When you start trying too hard is when you start messing up,” he said of his losing streak.

This year’s first-place chili award went to Dan Marty!

“Dan is well known both here and abroad for his outstanding culinary skills and mastery of faraway spices,” Connell said. “When Dan is home, you know it because the smells coming out of his kitchen fill the neighborhood with the aroma of gastronomical delights. He has also been known to introduce exotic animals into his tomato-based concoctions and has been a strong contender almost every year.”

The key, Marty said, is to prep the night before. While in the kitchen, he draws inspiration from Auburn Head Football Coach Gene Chizik’s famous quote “All in!” He also took the crown in 2009.

Dennis Daughety won first place the last two years.

 “It’s a rough adjustment [not winning]. It’s gonna be a long year,” he said.

There are a lot of theories floating around as to why the men have dominated the event the last six years. Connell offers one such theory.

“If memory serves me correct, the ladies have crushed the men for almost a decade prior to Dennis’ arrival,” he said. “Please understand, Dennis is our Tim Tebow. The ladies have such an edge over the men that the only way we can even compete is just throw some strange wild animal into the pot and pray no one gets sick.”

Although the chili cooking is serious, the competition is all in jest. It’s a great way for great neighbors to experience a day full of fun, fellowship and delicious chili fixins!