A Taste of Haldimand – April 18, 2024

St. Mary’s School Parent Council in Hagersville are preparing to defend their title! In 2023 they were awarded the “Best Chili” in the school category at the Knights of Columbus Caledonia Chili Cook Off. This is a major fundraiser to financially support some local families that have children with exceptional health issues requiring additional medical treatment. Jodie White, a member of the council, said the principal of St. Mary’s had approached the Parent Council last year about entering this competition. They wholeheartedly agreed with the idea, eager to support Emily Heaslip, a St. Mary’s student and one of the recipients of this fundraiser.  

In April 2023, Anne McAlpine was one of the judges at the chili cook off. As you may know, Anne penned her column “From the Kitchens of Haldimand” for The Haldimand Press for many years. Jodie told me Anne was thrilled to see the schools participating at this event and was particularly happy to see a few St. Mary’s students serving and interacting with the public. Once her judging duties were completed, Anne joined the St. Mary’s parents and discussed the idea of sharing their chili recipe along with their story in her column. She spent quite some time socializing with the group.  Unfortunately, Anne passed away before she was able to write the story. So, I am sharing the prize-winning recipe with you this week. 

Jodie also happened to mention there is a ‘secret ingredient’. Since it’s a secret I won’t reveal it. However, when you stop to sample their chili at this year’s Chili Cook Off, be sure to ask them about it! The Knights of Columbus Caledonia Chili Cook Off is on April 20 at the Riverside Exhibition Centre from 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy!