Do you think you can chef some world-class chili? Would an extra thousand dollars be a welcome addition to your bank account? If the answer on both fronts is ‘yes,’ then it’s time to hit the kitchen!

The Meadowlands Racetrack is calling all cooks for its third annual Homestyle Chili Cookoff and Salsa challenge, which will be held on Saturday, January 27.

The contest offers a $1,000 first-place prize, plus a spot in the International Chili Society’s World Championship cook-off in Reno, Nevada. There is also a $500 prize for second place and $250 cash prize for the third-place chili.

Last year’s Meadowlands winner, Joseph Callahan, went on to win the 2017 International Chili Society’s World Championship for his Homestyle chili and took home the $4,000 prize.

Racetrack guests are also welcome to sample the chili and vote for their favourite. The fan favourite cook will walk away with the $500 prize.

Homestyle chili is defined by the International Chili Society as the cook’s favourite combination of ingredients resulting in a dish seasoned with chili peppers and spices. Contestants must cook their chili on site between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with judging promptly after.

“This has become a great event for us during the winter,” said Meadowlands General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “The number of contestants has grown the last two years and we expect to have a record number of participants this year.”

Cooks, both amateur and professional, are invited to register to participate by visiting the sign-up page. There is a $20 registration fee that must be paid prior to the start of cooking that covers the membership fee to the International Chili Society.

In addition to the chili competition, a separate side contest for homemade salsa will also be conducted offering the winner a $500 first prize.

For complete rules and information, visit playmeadowlands.com or email Rachel Ryan at [email protected]

(With files from the Meadowlands Racetrack)