Members of the Post/Auxiliary/Sons held a Chicken Riggie Contest on Sunday, Sept. 25, raising $105 for Toys for Tots. Five amateur "chefs" braved the opinions of more than 20 tasters who got to feast on the assorted riggies.

When the votes were tallied, Vice Commander Jim George's recipe took first place. The prize included a gold medal, a squishy tomato ball and having his name on a poster in the lounge.

The other chefs were Joanne Powers, Joanne M. Powers, Mike Crigger, and Commander Chris Urban.

"It really was a lot of fun," George says. "We're working on other events, starting with a chili cookoff on Oct. 16."

All the cook-offs are 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays, as follows:

• Oct. 16 - Chili Cook Off
• Nov. 6 - Greens
• Dec. 4 - Meatballs
• Jan. 8 - Mushroom Stew

A $5 donation allows one to savor and judge all the entries.

"It's all you can eat," George says, adding: "The money all goes to charity. Winners get bragging rights, a medal and some kind of goofy prize."

Post/auxiliary/SAL members, their family and guests are invited.

Post/auxiliary/SAL members or their immediate kin who would like to cook up their homemade recipes and enter one or more contests may contact the post at 793-9377 or info@uticapost229.org.

Crigger Takes
Chili Title

Mike Crigger's tasty chili edged its way to victory in the Chili Cook-off  Oct. 16 at Utica Post 229.

His recipe and Jim George's entry were tied for first place until one final vote was cast to give Crigger the title.

Other amateur chefs who entered their favorite chili dishes in the cook-off were Rick Furner and Missy Durante.

The next cook-off features greens on Nov. 6, then meatballs on Dec. 4 and mushroom stew on Jan. 8.