Think you make the ultimate chili? Let your MINI friends sample your cuisine, win great prizes, and socialize all at the same time! Be sure to read through the official rules below before registering.

1. All Chefs must enter the Cook-off no later than April 10th, 2004.
2. The entry fee is $25 per Chili. This is to cover the cost of the venue as well as providing custom Dragon's Breath Chili Cook-off aprons.
3. All Chili must be cooked from "scratch". "Scratch" is defined as starting with raw meat or raw veggies. Commercial Chili powder is permissible, but complete Chili mixes ("just add meat" mixes that contain pre-measured spices) are NOT permitted. This includes any canned or commercially prepared Chili.
4. Cooks are expected to prepare and cook Chili in as sanitary a manner as possible.
5. No Chili contestant may discharge firearms or use any pyrotechnics or explosives at the Chili Cook-Off. (Believe it or not, this is an official rule from the Chili Appreciation Society - makes your head spin, huh?)
6. There must be a sufficient amount of Chili for judging and for the People's Taste Challenge. (Plan on at least a gallon.)
7. Due to current number of potential entrants, all Chili will compete against all other Chili. Should we get lots more entering, we will break the competition into categories.
8. Each Chili recipe must be named by its Chef. The Judging panel will be giving a special award to the most creative Chili name.
9. Three main prize gift certicates from North American Car Care will be offered given that a minimum of five different chef's are registered. These gift certificates will be in the following denominations: $100, $50, and $25. In the event that fewer than five entries are realized, the amount and number of gift certificates may be changed.

1. There will be a panel of volunteer Judges. Must be a minimum of 5 people.
2. Panel Judges may not have a Chili in the contest NOR be related to someone who does.
3. Judges will sit at a separate table from the Chili-preparation area during the time of the Judging.
4. Judging Criteria & Scoring: A single score takes into consideration the five criteria for scoring Chili:
   1. Aroma
   2. Consistency
   3. Color
   4. Taste
   5. Aftertaste

1. Each Chili will be scored on its own merits with a WHOLE number from 1 to 10 (10 being the highest). No pluses, minuses, or fractions will be considered.
2. Each Chili must be scored. If a Judge chooses not to taste a Chili because of its aroma, consistency or color, that Chili must still be given a score.
3. Each Judge will use a new spoon for each taste of Chili.
4. Judges will be brought the Chili to taste one at a time; the name of the Chili and the cook will be concealed from the Judges during scoring.

1. Once all Chili entries are scored, the Head Judge (namely Patricia) will tally all the scores.
2. All Chili entries will be ranked lowest to highest.
3. A prize will be awarded to the "Best in Show" Chili.

1. All Chefs will be expected to provide taster cups for anyone who wishes to participate in the People's Choice Judging.
2. Anyone may be a "People's Choice" Judge.
3. All PCJ's will be given a special badge in order to be identified by the Chefs.
4. All Chefs, when giving the sample of Chili to the PCJ, will also give the PCJ a pre-printed ballot (which will be provided).
5. The PCJ will be expected to rate the Chili based on the above 5 criteria and place the ballot in the central ballot box.

1. Once all Chili entries are scored, the Head Judge (namely Patricia) will tally all the scores.
2. All Chili entries will be ranked lowest to highest.
3. A Prize will be awarded to the "People's Top Choice Chili"

Enter now to secure your spot in what is sure to be a great cook-off!

View the current list of contestants

All moneys collected from the sales of Dragon's Breath Chili Cook-Off-related items, (including entry fees, tee shirts, etc.), will be used to cover the Cook-Off expenses, including rental of the Dam Room at Fontana Village, where the Cook-Off will be held, as well as to pay for any other miscellaneous expenses. Any additional funds remaining will be donated to C3 (www.c3club.org), a new non-profit MINI club in SoCal focused on charitable events.

Please note: North American Motoring, while providing various technical services and support for the event, is not the coordinator or organizer of this event. All credit and thanks goes to the MINI owners and enthusiasts around the country that have worked to pull this event together.