🌶️ Friendly Fire at the Buttered Biscuit Chili Cook-Off

MAPLE GAP — The annual Buttered Biscuit Chili Cook-Off drew a record crowd Saturday afternoon, proving once again that when it comes to food and friendly competition, Maple Gap residents don’t mind breaking a light sweat.

The event, held behind the Buttered Biscuit under a string of orange and gold bunting, featured a dozen contestants, two fire extinguishers, and at least one mysterious “secret ingredient” that had the judges fanning themselves before the first tasting round was over.

Angie Henderson, café co-owner and host of the cook-off, welcomed participants with her trademark grin. “We don’t take sides here,” she said, “unless it’s cornbread.”

Reigning champion Pastor Samuel Miller returned to defend his title with a recipe rumored to include dark chocolate and prayer. He was quickly challenged by Kelly Crenshaw, who claimed her version was “less fire, more flavor,” and by Henry Baker, who quietly entered at the last minute carrying a crockpot that smelled suspiciously heavenly.

Spectators filled the parking lot, sampling chili, sipping sweet tea, and casting votes for the coveted People’s Ladle Award. Shannon Ingles provided floral centerpieces for each tasting table, though by mid-afternoon several jars had been repurposed as emergency water coolers.

In a stunning twist, the Judge’s Choice trophy went to none other than Eleanor Hightower, who confessed afterward that her winning “White Harvest Chili” was adapted from a soup recipe she’d found in a 1980s church cookbook. “I just left out the noodles and called it chili,” she said matter-of-factly.

Pastor Samuel took the loss in stride. “The Lord gives and the Lord taketh away,” he said, “and sometimes He taketh chili trophies.”

The afternoon closed with laughter, live music, and a prayer of thanks from Pastor Samuel - who assured the crowd he would “come back stronger next year, with a milder witness.”

The Maple Gap Gazette can confirm that no taste buds were permanently injured and that all leftovers were donated to the church kitchen, where they are expected to reappear in Sunday’s fellowship supper labeled simply “mixed chili surprise.”

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