KNOX — Even without the snow, the  Hilltowns’ Winterfest in Knox, sponsored jointly by the Knox and Berne youth councils, was a success.  After cancelling last year’s event due to lack of snow, the councils decided to proceed with or without the cooperation of the weather.

The Chili Cook-Off, with eight entries, was judged by Chef Carlos of the Fox Creek Market in Berne.  First place was won by Megan Murphy, second place by Cliff Carlone, and third place by Tom Bartnicki.  Other great tasting chilis were entered by Glenn Polito, Bob Price, Annette Liwulinga, Javed Afzali, and Teresa Landreville.

Nine great cardboard sleds — made by Matthew Cyr, Emma Cyr, Lincoln Snyder, Myla Evans, Cora Evans, Roger Schultz, Trista and Tucker Smi, Madison and Abby Pasquini, and Anna Mattia — were imaginative and well-engineered and, although untested on actual snow, certainly looked fast.

There were crafts and refreshments in the Knox Town Hall and a bonfire, hot dogs, s’mores, chili, and hot chocolate in the park.

The two youth councils thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions and prizes:  B-Knox-Westerlo Parent-Teacher Association, Fox Creek Market, Maple on the Lake, Maple Ski Ridge, and Remedies Wine and Spirits.

If you'd like to try your hand at a winning chili yourself, here is the first-place recipe, for “My Neighbor’s Chili,” from Megan Murphy:

2 cans (15 oz. each) chili beans

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes

6 oz. tomato paste

1/2 cup water

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. chili powder

2 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. sugar

3 tsp. cayenne pepper

Combine beef, onion, and pepper in a good-sized pot. Cook until meat is browned and drain grease.  Stir in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer. If you’re in a hurry, it’s done after 20 to 30 minutes, but I transfer to the crockpot for a few hours.

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crusty bread. Enjoy!