Chirky

I've never taken part in a chili cookoff, but given the opportunity I think I would. Especially if cameras and FoodTV endorsements were involved. Just saying.

This week, Roger braved the crowded aisles and long lines at the grocery store, carefully choosing fresh ingredients as he shopped. After unloading his finds from the car, he lugged the grocery bags up the stairs to our apartment, and proudly lined his new assortment of spices and seasonings along the bar in front of our kitchen.

He rose early this morning to begin a cooking adventure in our small, hallway-sized kitchen. As I showered, I heard him chopping onions. Later I hugged him, because they made him cry. He was embarking on new territory: cooking chili for a contest at work. He made everything from scratch, mixing together ground beef and sausage, soaking the beans a day early so he could cook them, carefully measuring teaspoons of delicious seasonings like cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper and chili powder.

Every so often he would ask me how it looked, and it looked great, so I would tell him so. He was pleased with my encouragement, and when the chili was ready, he transferred it to our crock-pot to keep it warm for work.

In the contest, he didn’t place as high as he would have liked, but the chili was delicious (I know, because I’ve tested it!). We’ve got plenty left over, as well as a new addition to our home: Chef Roger.

I hope he'll be as enthusiastic about cooking dinner for me!