Swannanoa native Robert Duncan nabbed both of the top prizes in Swannanoa United Methodist Church’s second annual Chili and Cornbread Cook-off on Saturday, Nov. 8, according to a press release from event organizers.
Colleen Harris of Black Mountain won second prize in the chili category and third prize went to Jerry Hubbard of Hendersonville, who won last year’s competition. Betty Crowder of Swannanoa received honorable mention.
In the cornbread division, Roni Turnbull of Arden placed second, SUMC member and Mills River resident Mary Ann Wasson took third and Jerome Wallin of Swannanoa received honorable mention. Crowd Pleaser awards went to Harris for chili and Turnbull for cornbread.
Judges for the competition included Leah McGrath, dietitian for Ingles Markets; Jackie Kitchen, head chef of the Swannanoa Welcome Table, and Rich Ploch, who retired as pastor of Swannanoa United Methodist Church five years ago.
The competition is organized by the United Methodist Women’s Auxiliary and coordinated by its president, Wasson, to raise money to fund local mission projects. This year’s event raised more than $585, nearly double the amount raised in 2013.
Nine contestants vied for prizes in the event, and local chili and cornbread lovers spent nearly three hours sampling entries.
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