Life Care Center of Hendersonville chili cookoff brings the spice

On March 8, 2022, Life Care Center of Hendersonville, North Carolina, added some flavor to facility life with its inaugural chili cook-off.

Seven associates from the facility entered the contest to see whose recipe would win the day. Associates from Life Care Center of Hendersonville and the adjoining assisted living and independent living community (Lake Pointe Landing) sampled the chilis and voted for their favorites.

Among the entries were a Cincinnati-styled chili called Skyline Chili, an Iowa recipe eaten with a cinnamon bun, a chicken chili and multiple variations of a standard Southern-style chili – some with beef, some with buffalo. Some chilis were chunky, while others were more finely diced. Of course, associates provided numerous toppings, and therapists made cornbread. As if that weren’t enough, dessert was also available.

Everyone who voted received a scorecard, scoring each chili on visual presentation, aroma and taste.

Who were the culinary victors?

First place went to Christine Golkowski, occupational therapy assistant, who had a standard chili.

“My chili was a combination of my grandfather’s recipe and my own recipe,” Christine shared. “It was great fun competing with my co-workers, and I really enjoyed the camaraderie among all departments. It was nice to see so many people from Life Care and Lake Pointe come out to taste our chili. Everyone had a great time. Thanks to Bob Houde, our director of rehab, for putting it all together and serving everyone.”

Second place went to Hannah Campbell, occupational therapist, who made the chili with the cinnamon bun, and third place went to John Kneedler, physical therapist, who made a chunky traditional chili.