We have a lot of fun at Acri Community Realty, let’s just say we make work fun and leave it at that. Nearly every day someone goes to “Lunch with the Boss.”  Last month, at a local eatery called Mad Mex a few of us ordered the chili and began to critique it.

Of course, all of the Acri Realty managers and staff in attendance had a special super secret family recipe.  Jim Klepin  IT Manager, came up with a great idea (I swear he did not have the Jumbo Margarita). Jim declared, “I clearly have the best chili recipe in Western Pennsylvania. You all need to put your chili where your mouth is.”

Acri Realty Chili Cook-Off Contest

Thus the 1st Annual Acri Community Realty Chili Cook-Off was born.

We all know IT guys are great at networking but not of the party planning type. Tracy Crocker and Alyson Web, both from accounting, took the lead and planned the entire event.  It was a gurgling gastronomic success and plans are already in the works for a sweet cupcake contest.

Acri Property Manager Chili Cook-off Rumblings

Quotes kept anonymous to protect the innocent and nasally impaired.
  • Someone forgot to bring Tums!
  • I need a beano quick.
  • What we only have 2 ladies rooms?
  • Is it true that hot peppers make you lose weight?
  • Can someone turn on the air conditioner, please?
  • Forget the air conditioner open all of the windows.

The undisputed chili champion winner is Tracey O’Brien.

Tracy’s acceptance speech:

” I know how yinz guys love Buffalo Hot Wings, based on how we keep the pizza shop down the road in business.”

Tracey O’Brien’s Quick and Easy Buffalo Chicken Chili

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds ground chicken
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ cup chicken stock
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
2 (14.5 oz) cans of cannellini beans, drained
Extra Ingredients for garnish: ½ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
crumbled blue cheese for serving

Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once olive oil is hot, toss in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Place chicken into the pot, break apart into small pieces and cook until chicken is completely done.

Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beans. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Stir in hot sauce, then reduce heat and let simmer for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour).

Serve warm with bleu cheese if desired.

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