We are going to heat up a cold day in January and add some spice to your life as we cook up something new for our winter meeting this year. The place is the same, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown, NJ, but the venue will be a little different.

Several members have already agreed to bring in their favorite chili recipes to be tasted and judged by you and a panel of member judges led by Alan Russell, a self-proclaimed expert on the subject. (Since Alan will be entering the contest we will make sure to include some impartial judges on our panel as well!) Contestants must bring in their chili already cooked and in a suitable serving dish like a crock pot. We will have no access to a stove or a microwave so please make sure that your entry can be kept hot. We are limiting the number of entries so the judges are not overwhelmed (and over inflated), so please register with Joan Naugle (naugs@msn.com) if you would like to enter our chili contest. In the spirit of Tri-State, we are hoping that all contestants will be willing to share their recipe, so when you register please send Joan a copy of your recipe. Carol Brashear will be compiling the recipes for a handout to be given out that day. Don’t be shy…... prizes will be awarded and there will be food and fun for all!

To “round” out our table (and if you are not a chili eater or maker) members are requested to bring a non-chili dish to share (like a casserole or a salad, etc.), a chili or casserole accompaniment (like crusty bread, cornbread, shredded cheese, chopped onions, etc.) or beverages or desserts to share. No one should leave hungry! Please try to bring your own serving utensils. Plates, bowls, plasticware, and paper goods will be available.