12:15
The 'medium' category winner, from the Soil & Water Conservation District, deserved its placing. It's a classic chili, well-seasoned. Nothing creative about the recipe, but certainly well-executed.

In the 'spicy' category I entered, 'Satan's Breath,' from the Wake County Democratic Men's Club, took the prize. It's a nicely-done chili, heavy on the tomato, but well-balanced. Again, a more conventional recipe, executed well.

I sampled three or four others, which ranged from good to edible.

We're on to the lesser-known candidates now, including one for the Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner who apparently is hoping to leverage his chili win into an Election Day victory.