Chili Cook-Off Winner Credits Texas Roots, Father’s Recipe
An empty pot (right) and a first place prize check attests to the success of Amy and Erik Olson’s chili in Saturday’s chili cookoff.
WATER VALLEY – It was a bold statement after the winners were announced during the 7th Annual Chili Cook-off.
“I am from Texas, born and raised in Texas, and Texans just make better chili,” winner Amy Olson explained.
The judges were in agreement as Amy and Eric Olson’s entry earned first place in stiff competition. Judges Mark McGavock, Stephanie Cox and Michael Schmitz selected the top three entries and a “Best In Business” winner following a blind taste test with over two dozen entries. Mary Issacs took second place and Jeanette Whitehead won third in the cook-off.
Amy Olson explained that used the recipe from her late father, acclaimed cook Bill Rotenberry. She also added her own touch. And “no beans, Texans do not put beans in their chili. Not ever,” she added.
Tina Rowsey-Horton took top honors in the “Best in Business” category as judges. Horton operates Sweet Inspirations, a catering business located in Oxford. The Water Valley native launched the business a decade ago with inspiration cupcakes with a Bible verse. She now caters large and small events.
Water Valley Rotarians Justin Canterbury (left) and Cinnamon Foster (right) presented a trophy to Tina Rowsey-Horton for winning the “Best In Business” in the chili cook-off.
“My chili is made from scratch,” Horton reported about her entry. She started at 6 a.m. Saturday morning cutting up onions, bell peppers and garlic. She added a few jalapeños.
“Then I put a little cayenne pepper and get it seasoned just right. Next I put a little bit of Worcestershire sauce,” she continued.
The chili cook-off was held in conjunction with the Chamber-sponsored Holiday Open House. Bowls of chili were sold to the public and proceeds from the annual fundraiser went to the Water Valley High School Band this year.
A $1,000 check was presented to band director Wes Brown at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting.
“We sold 141 tickets, which was one of the highest, if not the highest we have ever sold at this event,” Rotary Club President Justin Canterbury told attendees at Tuesday meeting before presenting the check to Brown.
“Let me be the first to thank y’all for what you have done to help this band program grow,” Brown added. “I tell my students how much we appreciate this community and how they are investing in you.”
The band director also reported the band is making steady progress, including improved ratings at the recent contest at Grenada and strong growth in the lower grades that will feed into high school band.
Water Valley Rotary Club President Justin Canterbury presented a $1,000 check to Water Valley High School Band Director Wes Brown. The check was from proceeds from the chili cook-off held Saturday. Brown’s band launched a fundraiser earlier this year and exceed their initial goal as individuals, clubs and businesses pitched in to help fund upgrades to the equipment.
