GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Mark Easterling admits there were no medical elixirs in The “Doctors” Chili he submitted Saturday night at Rotary Club of Fleming Island’s Chili Cook-Off.
Although his sign read his chili “Cures Everything,” he said it was because it had the perfect blend of spices, beans and meat that brought a “little kick.”
So, what was the secret ingredient?
“Sic 12-ounce bottles of Dr. Pepper,” he said.
Hence the name “Doctors Chili.”
Twelve Rotary members stewed for weeks to create their best recipes to win the coveted cook-off apron, wall art and, most importantly, bragging rights for another year to raise money for Nocatee-based K9s for Warriors.
Green Cove Springs Club members also joined the festivities at the Mangus Family Hangar at Haller Airpark. With small cups, members, family and guests moved down the serving line, tasting each entry — some going back for seconds and thirds.
Easterling had entry No. 1. He looked to his left and told Starr Keating, who had chili No. 2, “Why didn’t you bring an appetizer because your chili doesn’t have a chance against mine. I have the best chili.”
Keating smiled for good reason. Along with Fred Woods, her chili was voted third overall.
“I made a trial chili on Halloween,” she said. “I tweaked it a little bit. I took out the corn. I didn’t think it really added that much. I added a little more meat, and I changed the beans. I took out the black beans and changed them to two cans of kidney beans. I made the new chili yesterday (Friday, Nov. 8), and I put it in the refrigerator.”
Donna Solomon won the competition, while Lindsey Mangus’ chili was deemed second-best. The real winner, however, was K9s for Warriors, which got about $2,000 to help more veterans with lifesaving service dogs while continuing to rescue more than 2,000 dogs.
To end veteran suicide, K9s for Warriors provides highly trained service dogs to military veterans, many of who are suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury or military sexual trauma. Many of the dogs are rescue dogs.
According to the organization, K9s for Warriors programs are backed by scientific research. They allow veterans and service dogs to build an unwavering bond that facilitates collective healing and recovery.
“This event is really nice,” said Karen Breakell, K9s for Warriors Development Manager of Major Gifts. “The flyover (by the Dreamland Squadron) was amazing. The chili was good. I know we appreciate what Rotary has done for us.”
