CLARKSVILLE, Mo. — While ingredients are important, making great chili requires practice and patience.
Just ask Tonya Jester. She beat out 134 other contestants to win the 2022 world homestyle championship and already has qualified for this year’s International Chili Society event Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
The Indianapolis woman was among more than a dozen chefs who participated in the Show-Me Missouri State Chili Cook-Off June 10 in Clarksville.
“It’s all in the timing and a lotta luck,” Jester said while putting together a verde, one of two categories for which she hoped to win and advance. “It takes the right blend of spices and good taste buds.”
The 64-year-old chef grew up in Indiana, where chili sometimes got mixed with spaghetti.
“Then, I started competing (about 15 years ago) and learned a whole new way of making chili,” she said.
Jester uses what she calls “the right blend” of ground chuck, Bush’s black chili beans, Swanson beef and chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and serrano peppers.
She then incorporates spices made by Texas-based Mild Bill’s Gunpowder Foods. The rest is pretty simple.
“Let your spices, liquid and serranos boil for about 10 minutes, then add your meat back in,” she advises on postcards handed out at events. “Cook on a medium boil for about 1.5 hours, adjusting liquid as needed with remaining chicken broth. Remove the peppers and squeeze the juice into your chili. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve.”
Jester warns against extremes. Don’t have too much liquid, but ending up with paste is a waste. Think Thanksgiving.
“You need to have a nice consistency of gravy,” she said.
The full recipe for her “Crazy Lady Chili” can be found at www.chilicookoff.com/winning-recipes.
Jester and her husband, Darin, don’t make chili at home anymore. In fact, the only time they’ll sample now is during competitions.
“We go out to eat afterward and they say ‘Our special today is chili,’” she said. “My husband goes, ‘Ugh.’”
Jester has advice for other chefs, whether they want to compete or just conjure a batch for the family.
“Don’t give up,” she said. “Set your goals. You have to cook a lot of pots of chili to get there. Enjoy the ride.”
