Annual Chili and Pie Cookoff

Our Church threw a fun autumn party over the weekend and there was a contest for best chili, and best pie. It was the best, all the comfort food was so good! This is by far one of my favourite activities that I look forward to every year.

As 'luck' would have it, our camera died right when we got there, so I only had my phone to take pictures, and the lighting was pretty terrible, so I am so so sorry for the crappy grainy werido quality of these, but it was still a fun memory I'd like to document, so there you go.







I think Ryan and I ended up trying about nine different types of chili before I realized I needed to be saving room for pie too! woops. I made a chili for the contest with butternut squash, ground beef, corn, black beans and white beans, tomatoes, and onions with garlic, ginger, cardamom, and cayenne and chili oil for flavouring. I loved trying everyone's different versions of chili, and with sour cream and cheese to top it I was in heaven. and no, I didn't take a picture of my chili because I am SOH DUM.



The pies were pretty incredible too! they went reeaalllyy fast, so I didn't get to try all of them, but these were my favourites: an apple/ caramel/cheesecake combo, a fluffy lemon filling topped with blackberry compote, and a berry/dark chocolate/ almond tart. oh man. so good.

THEN they tallied the votes, and guess what guys? I won for best chili! It was my first time entering, and I didn't even really use a recipe, which I probably shouldn't publicize, but hey! we won free movie tickets:) this was my victory pose, brandishing my prize. I was pretty surprised.





It's been a while since I've worn this dress, and I really wanted to go with a Barnyard/ country feel for the theme of the party, so it felt like a good choice. I found it at saver's about 4 years ago and every time I consider selling it I put it on and fall in love with it again. pockets, midi length, full skirt, cute print, really unique details, looks cute with my cowboy boots? ok yeah I'll keep it:)





dress: vintage (saver's)
cardigan: last chance
boots: vintage

Autumn makes me so so happy. best food of the year! How are you celebrating it?

Or HEY, all you down there, how's spring and what are your traditions?