Jo's Coffee Wants Your Chili: Registration Now Open for 4th Annual Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook Off

Here in Texas, having a secret chili recipe is sort of a birthright. Even if you're vegetarian. That's because, unlike salsa or guacamole or any other "you HAVE to taste my___" Texas specialty, ingredients aren't easily discernible in chili. But flavors are, and that's why Jo's Coffee is challenging you to out-flavor your chili cooking peers.

Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook Off, being held Saturday, January 9, and entry is available to restaurants or individuals. This is one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year for comfort-food loving types, so get your registration in now at www.joscoffee.com. (Entrees close at 9:00pm on January 7.)

In addition to chili, entrants and attendees can look forward to music by Chili Cold Blood, DJ Chicken George, WoodsBoss and Chapparel. Free two-step lessons will be in effect, leading up to a dance contest at 1pm. The winners will receive a night at the San Jose Hotel.

A few ground rules for all entrants: Chili must be cooked from scratch, on-site, the day of the cook off - to heighten the intensity! Set-up begins at 8:00am, cooking begins at 9:00am, and it is recommended that each entrant prepares 4-5 gallons. There will be both a "crowd favorite" contest and a formal judging panel in place, so in addition to deliciousness, remember to be nice and personable too. (No Chili Nazis). Set-up will be at the back parking lot of Jo's on South Congress (1300 S. Congress Avenue).

Proceeds for the Cook Off will benefit Caritas of Austin. (Ed Note: Austinist is a proud sponsor of this year's event.)