I've cooked variations of my homemade chili for years and have entered all sorts of church and work contests, mainly for fundraisers. More bragging rights than anything. Last night I finally aligned all the stars. I pulled out a first place victory at church. There were lots of great chili and I ate my fill. I was fortunate enough to bring home the trophy.
5 lbs of various meats (beef, pork, sausage, bacon) and a dozen other secret ingredients (maybe not so secret, but secretly blended ratios). 
Sorry, I had to brag a little! 

:-)
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Congratulations!  I have tweaked my favorite recipe for about 20 years myself.  Entered many little contests at work and so forth.  Got 2nd once and keep trying.  I love my chili and so do my friends/family.  I love to still tweak it and try.  Still never got 1st place so again, congratulations!  Steve
		
		
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