Abt Chili Challenge Recap

It may have been only 11° outside last night, but it was warm and comfy in the Abt Inspiration Studio, thanks to our celebrity chefs’ delicious chili and a sizable crowd. Nearly 200 people braved the cold to taste our chefs’ offerings at our Chili Challenge and support a trio of very deserving charities. A hearty thanks goes out to everyone who came out to support the event, as well as our event sponsors: Viking, Dacor, Thermador, Jolane’s, and Wild Onion Brewery. And, of course, we’re grateful to the chefs and judges who gave their time to make the event happen.

Congratulations to Chef Kevin Hickey, whose “Duck Blind Chili” won the judges’ award, sending a $5000 donation from the Abt Family Foundation to The Greater Chicago Food Depository. The People’s Choice Award went to Chef Todd Stein, earning his charity, Common Threads, all of the ticket proceeds—a donation of $1850.  If you weren’t able to make it out to the event, but you’d like to try your hand at the chefs’ creations, scroll down to the end of this post to find the recipes. And don’t forget to bake up a batch of our jalapeño cheddar cornbread muffins to accompany it!