IT’S CHILI TIME

CHILI TIME

Although the traditional Marion County Chili Cook-O isn’t happening this year, there are still plenty of ways to add a little spice to dinner time.

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili to kick o the winter season, and although the in-person event celebrating this favorite dish has been put on hold this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re here to make sure you still get a hefty helping of chili to keep you warm and cozy all season long.

In its 39th year, the Marion County Chili Cook-O is a staple of Ocala’s fall festival lineup. Bene tting The Cornerstone School, the festival started as a small gathering in the school’s parking lot and has grown into one of the county’s most popular community events, with over 5,000 local residents in attendance in 2019.

“This year, unfortunately, will be the rst year that The Cornerstone School has not had its Chili Cook-O fundraiser,” says Matt Young, marketing, communications and fundraising coordinator for the school. “It’s a hard pill to swallow, but we respect the importance of keeping our community safe during this pandemic and doing our part to limit the spread of the virus.”

In an e ort to keep the tradition alive, the school has decided to make the best of the situation—albeit in a di erent format that allows for smaller groups of people while still giving the community the chili it loves.

“The Chili Cook-O committee has decided to still make an event T-shirt for what is now being called the 2020 Quarantine Edition of the Marion County Chili Cook-O ,” says Matt. “The funds raised will go directly back into the school, but the main goal this year is to just keep the ‘love of chili’ top of mind and to build excitement for our 40th

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE CORNERSTONE CHILI* • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 2 large onions, chopped • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 2 pounds lean ground beef • 2 16-oz cans whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped • 1 6-oz can tomato paste • 2 tablespoons chili powder • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 16-oz cans kidney beans, undrained • 2 whole cloves • 1 small bay leaf, removed after cooking

the same Cornerstone chili served every year at Facebook page to learn more about the event. Sauté garlic and onion in oil. Add ground beef; cook over low heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Add remaining ingredients, and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.

A LITTLE TWIST Looking to take your at-home chili fest a step further? The Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili calls for bacon, sweet potatoes and a chopped jalapeno pepper for a spicier version of the wintertime favorite, while the Chipotle Veggie Chili is simple to make, needing just one pot

*SWEET POTATO AND BLACK BEAN CHILI

Anniversary Chili Cook-O event in 2021.” • Circulon Symmetry 5.5-Quart Casserole • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

Along with the shirt sales, past cook-o • 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano winner Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s chopped • 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper Serious About Barbecue has agreed to give a • 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced • 2 cups chicken broth 10 percent discount on his award-winning chili into 3/4-inch pieces • 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added reto anyone who is wearing the 2020 event shirt • 2 medium onions, chopped roasted diced tomatoes when visiting his food truck on November 7 • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and nely • 1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added black from 11am-3pm. chopped beans

And if you’re really missing the Chili Cook-O • 5 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 cup quick-cooking barley experience, check out the following recipe for • 2 tablespoons chili powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt the event’s concession stand—it’s like bringing Heat casserole over medium heat. Add bacon, and cook until browned and crisp, about 7-8 the fun of the festival right into your kitchen. minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-covered plate. Reduce bacon 39th Annual Marion County Chili Cook-O : potatoes, onions and jalapeno pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is slightly Quarantine Edition 2020 // Order an event softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute. Stir in chili powder, cumin, shirt at https://bit.ly/31ei7sB // Big Lee’s oregano and ground chipotle; cook until fragrant, 15 seconds. Pour in broth, tomatoes, Serious About Barbecue event on November beans and barley; reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until sweet potatoes 7, 11am-3pm // 3925 SE 45th Court, Ocala // are tender and barley is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in Check out the Marion County Chili Cook-O bacon and salt; let stand 15 minutes before serving. throughout the entire cooking process. fat in casserole to 2 tablespoons and return to stove over medium-high heat. Add sweet