Things got a little steamy on Saturday night.
It all started innocently enough: Adam pronounced that morning that he wanted to make chili. When he said this, I shook my head a little bit and laughed.
“You? Make chili? Hah! I’ll make chili,” I said.
“You never let me cook for you!” He said. “I have good recipes, too!”
Things got silent for about four seconds.
Then, we both looked at each other at the same time and shouted,
“CHILI COOK-OFF!!!!!!”
….and so it began.
In true Adam and Jenna fashion, we decided to go big or go home for this little “contest”. First up was the grocery store.
Adam insisted we take separate carts and go separate routes.
I found him on the tomato aisle and tried to talk him out of buying the exact same chili powder and cumin that I was buying, but he insisted we couldn’t share.
I thought that was silly but I’ve learned to pick my battles.
Let it be known that my grocery bill was three times less than his grocery bill…..that’s a fact.
We both cooked at his house. I went first because in my experience, chili gets better the longer it sits. Our judges guests weren’t expected for another four hours and I wanted ample time for the flavors to settle.
Plus, it’s always best to go first in life. This I’ve learned.
In case you were wondering, I used my traditional homestyle turkey chili recipe. In my opinion, it’s fail-proof. It’s the chili my mom made all the time when I was growing up, and is chock-full of tomatoes, ground turkey and beans. Plus, it’s served over elbow macaroni!
Secret ingredient!
I made my chili, cleaned my area and washed my dishes all in an hour, and then flounced on the couch to read for the next two.
Around four thirty, Adam was still glued to college football.
“Dear? Are you going to start your chili soon? Our friends are coming at six, you know,” I said as I flipped the page in my nine hundredth trashy Christian romance novel.
He just nodded. “Mmhmmm. I like to make things at the last minute. Don’t you worry about me!” He said.
I got back to my book.
Thirty minutes later and there’s cans everywhere, onions being chopped and three pounds of beef sizzling on the stove.
I tried not to judge.
The boys from Texas, after all.
Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help but sniff the air enviously as I read.
Beef.
Beans.
Cayenne pepper…and lots of it.
But he was making RICE to go with his chili…..and I don’t know how I feel about that.
At exactly six o’five the doorbell rang. Naturally, we greeted our guests with homemade ballots, pens and sample bowls. The stakes were high.
And then…it was go-time.
On the side, we had Hatch Green Chili tortilla chips, saltines (??), and Nancy brought homemade cornbread. Bless her heart.
Finally, the group cast their votes….I forgot my number and Adam whispered it into my ear.
I don’t know where I went wrong and it’s hard enough to admit these failures on the internet like this for the whole world to see. I guess I should be thankful that I’m with someone who can make darn good chili, but seriously?
I’d like to thank Brian at this time for making the right choice.
I proceeded to sulk for the rest of the evening and dragged my chili-loser butt to a wine bar where I proceeded to stuff my face with ricotta beignets and flourless chocolate cake.
The End.
ps– we’ll be eating chili every night for the next four weeks.
pps–wanna come over for dinner?
{ 139 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, since he’s from from Texas, I suppose it’s only appropriate that he win the chili contest. Thank God for wine- the doctor for what ails us! Next time, you should suggest a cookie bake off. You’re SURE to take that…er… cake
Awesome fun!
Almanzo cheated…LOL… It was all in the PREPACKAGED beans. You can never lose using those unbelievably delicious beans. He is a pretty smart guy!
Your right! You can’t beat the packaged preservatives sometimes
This. Is. THE BEST!!! I’ve been waiting for this post, and it’s even better than I anticipated. haha LOVE the last pic! An it doesn’t matter if you win or lose (yours looks delish and naturally has my vote b/c of the wine involved!) it’s how you play the game—I’m guessing there shall be another cook off soon?? A girl can dream.
That chili looks awesome, but I’m not so sure about serving it over elbow macaroni. I’m so used to putting crackers or frito chips in my chili that I don’t think I could swerve from that. Is it really that tasty?
In Indiana, we almost always serve chili with either spaghetti or macaroni. Yum!
Just let him have this one win, Jenna, he is from Texas after all. I’m sure he’ll never beat you in any cooking contest ever again
Also, which one did you like better??
I loved both! I love mine because it reminds me of home (chili my mom made all the time when I was growing up), but Adam’s is more of the traditional, super-spicy bowl of red. Both are good!
ps–he says he likes mine better
He’s obviously a keeper!
If it’s any consolation, I would have voted for you…since I don’t eat beef. And because you mentioned ricotta beignets, which I’m now craving like mad.
Can I come over, really? Both of them look/sound amazing! I heart chilli. Now if only it wasn’t so hot here.
I would have taken that loss really hard. I’m super competitive with the Husband (we’re both stubborn and competitive by nature. It sometimes doesn’t make for a good marriage
)and he never cooks, so that would not have been good.
Haha that was such a cute post! You described it so well, it almost seemed like I was there! I’m sorry you lost, but I have complete confidence that you can kick his butt in so many other culinary competitions. Rematch?
Rematch, for sure. He’s going DOWN!
bahaha, hilarious- you two crack me up!!!!
well, next time, you can just have him make you some when he wants to watch football… and you can relax and read!
Haha it’s hard not to win! My Chili definitely wasn’t the crowd favorite at our cook off this year…but it was also vegetarian and full of mushrooms. I guess I was cooking to please MY palate, not everyone else’s!
You still win the macaroon contest.
I’ll come over!
I’ve made your recipe before and it’s good! Oooh can we have Adam’s recipe too? 
I’m working on getting it from him!
Hehhe this made me smile!! (And I bet Adam is still reminding you about how he won!!) I’m totally in the mood for chili now.
First off, I always want to come over for dinner.
Second, this post stole my heart. But not as much as a big bowl of that chili would
Wow.
I’m glad I will never have to suffer a defeat like this. My boyfriend thinks cooking is when you put a Red Barron french bread pizza into the microwave. Not even into the oven. The microwave. The oven “takes too long”.
He also believes that offering to be the one to order and buy the chinese delivery counts as cooking.
Wow again.
Despite the fact that I will never lose the chili challenge to my loved one,
I would still like to go to a wine bar and have ricotta beignets and flourless chocolate cake.
Truth.
That’s hilarious! I would have voted for you!
How fun! I am sure they are both tasty:)
Too funny Jenna! They both looked really good! Maybe you should have tested them on their own without rice or Macaroni! (I am a rice girl myself) And I am not big on beans! But I am now craving Chili! Freeze that stuff in single servings to eat for months!
If it’s any consolation your chili is my go-to chili recipe!
thanks, Laura! (sniff sniff)
You two are SO cute. And both chilis sound amazing to me!
LOVE IT! This should have been on film.
1. Your chili SOUNDS better, if that’s any consolation.
2. I love that picture of you two. It makes me happy to know there’s another couple out there that takes equally as goofy photos as my boyfriend and me.
So fun! I love to make different recipes, and my boyfriend always helps make it better because he knows how to use tons of spices right, especially when it’s making hot, spicy recipes.
Oh my gosh! Ha! My boyfriend and I did a chili cook-off around this time last year! We had two crock pots in the house at the time and decided it was game time and had two friends come over to judge.
I kicked his butt! And yes, we had chili for weeks….
That is awesome. Now I want to make some chili….
Love this post! You two crack me up
Both chili’s sound wonderful, but personally I would prefer yours – more my style. My husband would like Adam’s though!
It was the beef… you would have won them over with it… sad. I know.
What “trashy Christian romance novels” do you read? I’m a Lori Wick, Jannette Oke, Francine Rivers, T. Davis Bunn (etc etc etc) fan and have tons and tons of them if you’re ever interested in a swap
Karen Kingsbury…reading the Baxter family series and averaging one book a day…thinking about driving to all the different library branches in my county today to collect the next four books (sick, I know).
My mom has the entire series (so far? Is she through writing it?) and I’m on book 4 right now. It’s good stuff. Much more addicting reads than I’d anticipated.
At my house, chili was always served over rice!
My husband’s chili whoops my tush every time too. I have to admit defeat and let the boy have his star dish.
With the chilly weather (ha….), chili seems like the perfect comfort food!! Maybe I’ll have to whip some up tonight!
Too cute!!! And too hilarious that you had an impromptu chili battle. And I have to say beef in chili tends to win in my book. I can somehow always tell the difference with chili. I like to do a 50/50 beef/turkey combo usually.
That was a very O Henry-esque ending! I definitely didn’t think he’d win!
I have made your (Beth’s?) white chicken chili a handful of times and it always gets rave reviews. In fact, every recipe of yours I make gets rave reviews!
You should have a bake off next! There’s no way he can bake…right?
Lol I love this post. Miss you two!
Aw, so cute!!! SO sad you lost but hey, boy’s have to be good at SOME things!
Oooh…that one hurts. If it makes you feel better, one of the best versions of chili that I’ve ever made was based on your turkey chili recipe.
Enjoy the leftovers.
I didn’t know that about chili… that it gets better the longer it sits. Ill have to remember that when my wife and I make chili latter this week.
This post pretty much made my day. So stinkin’ cute
Both look deeeelicious. Although the bowl of yours looks better–purely for elbow macaroni and lots and lots of cheese.
Also, I can’t help but share this recipe link. I don’t know why, as you surely don’t want to make stew after that, but it was a recent recipe I tried with my boyfriend and it’s SO easy and SO surprisingly delicious. He went to school in Wisconsin, and is obsessed with all the foods in Madison.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/THE-GREAT-DANE-INNER-WARMTH-PEANUT-STEW-1236084
Ahh you guys are so fun! My boyfriend and I get inspiration from your fun filled dates and competitions
You guys are so cute! I love the joy and curiosity that you approach cooking with. It’s contagious because it always makes me want to go home and cook something!
okay, so i mean this in the nicest of ways: is there such a thing as a trashy Christian romance novel? like, i am seriously intrigued.
I sort of miss Adam being called Almanzo. lol
such an awesome competition, I wish I did something like this with my bf too. But he’s not into cooking
You are hilarious! I love this! I’m a vegetarian so I won’t be making any chili…..However, my family is from Texas and they are pretty serious about their chili too. I don’t think I’d dare compete hahaaaa
aloha
Maybe it was the rice!
Ah, this is wonderful! I actually suck at making chili… so just so you know, you’d beat me any day
.
Also, I’m coming over for dinner. I make suck at making at, but I rock at eating a great big, comfortable bowl. Bring it on!
I think my lesson from this is, that if I ever make your turkey chili recipe, I am making it with beef.
Also, I am fascinated by the fact that your boyfriend complains about the fact that he doesn’t get to cook for you. Mine has the opposite complaint: “why do I have to be the one to make dinner all the time?” Because you are just so good at it, dear! Seriously, I butcher all his best recipes.
Too funny! This is like a throwdown challenge. Can he share his recipe to the rest of the world?
Okay so somewhere along the line I missed the post where you revealed his real name and I was secretly so excited to finally find it out- is that weird? that’s weird right? oops.
You guys are so cute.
That was fun. Was glued to your writing. Trashy romance novels, wine, chili. I heart Fall!
Went over to vote for you & your Whooopi Pumpkin Pies!
This is so cute. Just remember, there’s nothing better than a man who cooks!!
Too cute! If it’s any consolation, I totally made vegetarian chili Saturday night using my great grandparents’ crock pot – BUT added red wine just like your recipe called for.
I should have just made yours though–perfect with spaghetti noodles!
Number one–beef beats turkey every time for chili!
Number two–never have a chili cook off with someone from Texas!
Your number one fan! D.
I beg to differ!
I made a turkey chili, in a contest against born and bred Texans (I’m from Connecticut) and I totally won.
I should also mention that my chili was not spicy.
Not a fan of chili with meat (isn’t that chili con carne?) To me chili means all beans baby!
this looks like so much fun!!!
Can we have his recipe?!? Yours is great so if his beat yours it must be excellent!
I love this post! It’s so fun to read!
I buy all 3 of those exact seasonings and just tried to save money on chili powder and bought the store brand and it’s not the same as mccormick’s, just a footnote for ya. Even my hubs who doesnt notice things like that was like, hmmm, what is different about this chili? Oh dear, I tried to save 50 cents by buying store brand chili powder. Wont be doing that again!
I bet your chili is awesome.
And I hope you guys enjoy a week of chili powder and beans and chili. Sounds like you have plenty of it! A good problem to have
Okay, we NEED his recipe! I usually don’t buy canned beans, but I LOVE those ranch beans.
Oh no! haha sounds like it was a fun time though! I did a Chili Cook Off last year… It was one lonely New England girl against 6 born and bred Texans with a panel of 5 Texan men judges… Needless to say I won
actually not only did I win but my boyfriend came in LAST. 
Nothing beats homemade chili though!
P.S. You can find my chili recipe on my blog
(if anyone is interested)
hahah this was hilarious. Not because you didn’t win,but just the whole set up. Don’t worry, Jenna, I’m sure you make about 99% of other dishes better than him
This post reminded me of a chili cook-off we had at my previous employer a few years ago. I was new to the firm and a transplant’Yankee’ in North Carolina. The odds of me winning were low given the fact all the guys were gung-ho (southern boys with everything to proof). Howevere at the end of the day I actually won the title and walked away with a $50 gift card.
this is too cute! love it. And chili, as long as it’s homemade, is never ever bad. So I’m sure yours was just great too
love,
cathy b. @brightbakes
Thanks, Cathy! And thanks for your sweet comment on TK!
That’s so funny! Sorry you lost, but now you know your bf can cook!
Oh… how I wish my husband even know where to begin with chili. Or soup. Or anything other than eggs and pre-made burgers.
Haha…a chili cook-off. I love it.
That picture of you and Adam is priceless.
Oh no!
Well, at least you know you got a good one
You guys deserve each other! I say that with all the love in my heart
During my first year of marriage, D and I set up a formal online poll to determine whether you needed to send thank you notes for Christmas gifts. D didn’t grow up doing this (?!!!) and thought it was “outdated, or southern.” I couldn’t believe it! Luckily, my rude husband got his rear handed to him in our online poll and he was forced to write thank you notes. His thank you notes weren’t very thoughtful–i.e. “thank you for the gift. I will use it a lot. Love, D”–but at least I didn’t have to hide, or divorce him.
Aww love you and miss you, Sarah!!
Yes…but can he bake?
why yes… yes I can. I’m no Jenna, but I’ve got a a few tricks up my sleeves.
New Bake-Off Challenge??!!
Maybe he paid off the judges? Love the post.
This is just… an awesome post.
Love the foodie activities you guys do together– the retro picnic, etc.
Next time, put some chocolate in your chili!
Love the post – I hope you post Adam’s recipe soon!
I’m sure yours was just as delish. You definitely put me in the mood for chili!
Excellent post, very cute narrative
Good Texas boy!
Chili ain’t the official state dish of Texas for nothin’!
Though, why he put BEANS in it is beyond me. SO not Texas chili.
But they’re ranch style, so I can forgive.
this is truly a classic post from you, jenna! i love it! thanks for such a fun read.
If Adam won this cook-off, I have to have the recipe! Please post it. Please. With powdered sugar and ganache on top?
Love this post – you guys are a lot of fun!
Adam had me at beef – add that cayenne pepper and it was all over
I will totally come over for dinner. I love me some chili!!!
Thursday sound good??
hahah that post was hilarious! It takes a strong person to admit when they lose! But I’m sure your chili was delicious too!!
ppps-yessss please have me for dinner!
It must be a Texas thing because I always eat chili over rice. I have actually never heard of chili being served over macaroni noodles. But they both look fantastic!
It sounds like you guys had a blast! My grandfather is from Texas, and he makes both He-an Chili (for those who love the heat) and She-an chili (which will still scorch your tastebuds!) I love them both…but I stand firm on serving over pasta, not rice. Ick.
Mail me some and I’ll do a taste-test from Florida…..(I’m not really kidding! hehe)
He may have won at chili, but I bet you can kick his butt at pie making.
I hosted I chili party the other weekend…
I still have leftovers!
Some stashed in the freezer for another time and
some still in my fridge.
OMG Jenna. Hang onto this one. If I ever heard the words “You never let me cook for you!” come out of my husband’s mouth, I would fall over dead from shock.
you guys are a match made in heaven!!! loved this story;) i wish i got to taste those chilis!
Wicked cute.
Y’all are too cute. But why on earth you put chili on top of macaroni OR rice is beyond me. I’m a purist!
Dying to see Adam’s recipe. I’m intrigued! Don’t feel badly – he’s from Texas, he has to make good chili!
That just wasn’t a fair competition … I make turkey chili every now and then to be “healthier”, but there’s just no contest against beefy chili goodness.
Booo to the rice and pasta – none of that business in my chili, please!
Looks like you guys had fun doing this!
I have followed your blog religiously for a year and have never left a comment til today!! My weekly menu was planned Sunday … Mon: Jenna’s chili. So when I read today’s post I LOL ! My husband LOVES your chili! He is a southern boy and I’m a native Californian! I grew up in lake tahoe but now call Little Rock home. Anyway, I think you are adorable and an amazing writer!
Tina also made chili today, too funny!
I love turkey chili so you’ve got my vote. It’s only fair that the boy from Texas gets the victory in a chili competition. Glad he voted for yours though!!
How fun! So…do we get the winning recipe??
Hilarious! I love it!
hahaha you can’t have a chili cook-off against a Texan. We will always win!!
Haha, I love that victorious photo at the end and I love even more that you two can have such an awesome challenge together. I’ll still try your Chili though
I thought you’d never ask! I’d LOVE to come for dinner and have you feed me!
Ha, cute post! I need to try this with my hubby to see how my vegan stuff stacks up to his meat loaded stuff.
Agreeing with the rest of the commenters – love this post! What a great food party idea. You guys could do a monthly challenge! So much fun.
awww how fun!
This is super cute! Love this competition. Love chili.
It’s all in the beef my friend … no wonder he won ! I’m sure your chili was outstanding!
Too cute!! Y’all sound like you have a lot of fun together. Would Adam share his recipe with your blog? Can’t wait to try yours too, Jenna! It’s getting to be Chili type of weather in Virginia
Ugh! Now I’m hungry again, lol!
Bahahahahah. Please invite all bloggers to your wedding and feed us. kthanksbye
You are a gracious chili loser. I think sometimes the boys win on comfort food, my husband makes the hands down best grilled cheese and tomato soup. So we have to let them win every now and then
Domestic cooking competitions definitely get the adrenaline pumping. If it helps, I salivated at both bowls of chili–delicious!
You are a wise woman to pick your battles carefully; I applaud you in this regard.
What a great contest!
The last time I made chili I put a dash of cocoa powder in it which added a great smoky flavor along with chili powder. Thanks for sharing both of your recipes!!
love it! my husband had a chili cook-off with friends for superbowl one year – i think there were 3 or 4 different chilis… things got very personal! my husband used my recipe and won:-)
Ha, that was a funny story
You two should have cook-offs more often.
Super cute story
“I’ve learned to pick my battles” – The best words one can speak!
so cute!
Texas. Enough said
. Gig ‘Em!
What an awesome spur-of-the-moment event, especially for the judges! Though, aren’t they afraid they’ll never be invited again?
i’m pretty sure i beat him when we lived together…we’ll have to have a re-match in the future! There is no match for my new recipe
I’m pretty sure you need to get your facts straight. I was a judge in said cook off, not a contestant. You better watch your dirty mouth.
I have been making chili a lot lately (with rave reviews) since the weather got colder and have been making it with ground turkey, corn, black beans, garlic, peppers, onions, and the usual seasonings….the secret ingredient(s)? unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate. i can’t describe the taste it gives but it’s absolutely delicious!!
I made your turkey chili last night–it is delicious!
Speaking of Christian romance novels, have you read any of Lori Wick’s stuff? She bases a lot of her books in the 1800′s which I love!
Haha!! So fun and cute. I giggled out loud a couple times while reading. This is why I love your blog!
Just thought I’d add that I made your turkey chili recipe last night and it was a huge hit-but I have to say i think it needed just a little more heat-at least for me and my SO (his daughter and mom liked it as is….but they don’t like hot like we do!) If you were to add cayenne to your original recipe, how much do you think? A teaspoon?
Being from Texas he should be able to do chili. Challenge him to a cake baking contest!
Just curious — did you ever get around to posting Adam’s recipe? Thanks!
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