Published: April 08, 2008 07:01 am      

Shattuck hosting chili-chocolate cook-off

It was a chocolate lover’s dream - two layers of moist, dark chocolate cake, sandwiching caramel candies, Heath candies and whipped topping. Finally, the sinfully lavish dessert was topped with whipped topping and more Heath and caramel candies.

“It is called Chocolate Decadence,” said the dessert’s creator, Shattuck National Bank Book Keeper, Marty Smith. “That cake is the family favorite and one that we have on my husband’s birthday.”

So it is no wonder that Smith, won last year’s title for the Best Tasting Chocolate in the annual Chili and Chocolate Cook-Offs held in Shattuck.

But the title this year and that of the best tasting chili is still up for grabs for those who have the nerve to try again at the Chili and Chocolate Cook-Offs on Wednesday at the Mason’s Building at 115 S. Main in Shattuck.

The event is slated to begin promptly at 5:30 p.m., said Shattuck Chamber and Main Street Office Manager Tonja Jones. The event is open to the public and is a fund raiser for all of the seasonal events such as the Fall Scarecrow Contest, and Children’s Main Street Shopping Mall that are conducted in Shattuck by Main Street, Jones said.

“All entries have to be ready to go at 5:30 so that tasters can begin to walk through and make their votes,” she said.

Jones advises that all entries need to plan enough chili or chocolate dessert to offer samples to at least 100 people. She said bringing extra in canisters is permitted. She also reminds those who need extras, such as onions and peppers or crackers and cheese to be enjoyed with the chili, should also remember to bring that as well, since the contest must start on time. The public will decide, through a voting system who will win

But if baking or chocolate is not your thing, the best pot of chili also brings awards, Jones said.

Last year Crimpers and Cutters won Best in Show Chili and Newman Memorial Hospital won Best Tasting Chili, Jones said.

This year Jones said there will be another event for anyone who just does not have an interest in cooking or baking.

“We are having a pet costume contest this year,” Jones said.

Owners are encouraged to dress up any pet that will tolerate it well and bring any type of animal to the contest to be judged at 5:30 p.m. Jones said pet exhibitors must have the animals on a lead or in a crate to attend.