Diana Horowitz, Joyce Kalstein, Lori Balin, Judy Berwick & Mindy Shedler
The Sisterhood Cornbread Chefs
After the last two years' attempts at a chili cookout that were destined not to occur due to snow closures, Men's Club decided to test the "third time's a charm" theory and increase their chances of success by pairing with Sisterhood for another go at the event. We're happy to report that the first joint Men's Club/Sisterhood Chili/Cornbread Cook-off on February 22, 2009 was a raging success, with nine chili chefs and three cornbread bakers serving up their creations to almost 40 essers and fressers. Comments were mostly positive, with one big fresser exclaiming, "this idea is a real gas." Many other long winded compliments were spewed and various other sentiments (scentiments?) were passed. After the air cleared and all participants were given a chance to vote, a number of awards were given to chefs for the tastiest, spiciest, beaniest, and other superlative chili creations. Likewise, prizes went to the bakers of the best and moistest cornbreads.
Congratulations to our own Men's Club chefs Scott Schaefer, who won for his beanless turkey chili recipe, and President Steve Per, who won for spiciest chili. Those extra red hot chili peppers resulted in "one hot minute," and the habaneros made the difference, "by the way." Steve Dicker also won a fine bottle of recently microbrewed beer for his self-proclaimed award winning chili, even if the effort was not meant to be an award winner at this subjectively judged event. Three lucky winners now have their own personal travel container of Beano; hopefully they will embrace the Beano and curtail future levels of noxious gases in our environment. Thank you to Judy Berwick, Beth Chaim Sisterhood president, and her entourage, who selected and graciously donated the "real" presents from the Sisterhood gift shop. These gifts were presented to many of the other chefs and bakers who managed to serve up a fine traife-free repast for lunch.
Also at this venue of fine food, adults enjoyed sampling three new brews that were hand crafted and donated by the Men's Club Brewers. The 2009 brews included "Rebbe's Red," a recipe based on an Irish Cream Ale from Kilkenny with a deep red hue and rich creamy head; "Lager b'Homer," a blood and fire ale with a deep amber color, roasty malt flavor and a hint of nuttiness; and "Beer Mitzvah," a fine Vienna lager that is amber colored with a little sweetness in character and a nice malty flavor.
Diana Horowitz, Joyce Kalstein, Lori Balin, Judy Berwick & Mindy Shedler
The Sisterhood Cornbread Chefs
Three Presidents: Sisterhood - Judy Berwick, Men's Club - Steve Per, Congregation - Scott Schaefer
Steve Dicker, Eric Sheffield, Steve Per, Hank Lubin & Alan Blumenthal