Chili Cook-off Showcases YMCA’s New Teen Cooking Kitchen

Shown l-r is JFYMCA Teen center staff 1st place winner Leonard Bruce, Robotics Director, 2nd place Lance Williams, Teen Center facilitator and 3rd place winner Melinda Henry, Senior Activities Coordinator.

The Johnson Family YMCA and alumni board held their 2nd annual Fall Festival Homecoming activities that consisted of bingo nights, a block party, drive through mobile pantry and a Chili Cook-off for a day of cooking in the centers innovative kitchen. The event also welcomed current and past members back to the center.

The locations Teen Center regulated for kids ages 13th-19th, sponsored the cook-off to showcase the lab, gaming room, lounge, teaching kitchen, recording studio and large multi-use space. Judges were asked to taste test each dish and rate the bowls according to five criteria’s of appearance, bean composition, chili spices, smell, taste, heat balance and texture. Chili was rated on a five-point scale of zero to five for each of the categories. Each chili bowl was assigned a number and once tallied the winner was revealed. “My first time in the center and I’m impressed. Each contestant had some great chili, I’d say spice was lacking in each bowl. The winner’s chili was balanced and hit our palates just right,” said Judge Bill Turpin.

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