Yee-Doggie, the HCDE Chili Cook-Off was hotter than a Texas summer day as divisions rounded up their team to compete for the best booth design, the tastiest chili and the brassiest cornbread. On March 1, folks from Irvington and NPO stopped by the Conference Center in their finest Western duds to sample the grub while judges saddled up to cast their votes. 

Click here to view and download photos.

The Center for Educator Success made the chili competition a fierce battle with their lip-smackin’ recipe, leaving employees begging for seconds and ultimately scoring first place. The aroma of golden-brown goodness filled their air, but Facilities left the competition in the dust with their crumbly cornbread that paired well with every chili entry. Lastly, the showdown for best-decorated booth had HCDE leaders gawkin’ at the creativity displayed as Records Management roped in the Department with their fire-inspired setup.  

The cook-off served more than just food—it also wrangled up camaraderie and teamwork. Colleagues donning cowboy hats and boots galore even boogied down to country tunes. It was a roarin’ success that left everyone with a belly full of chili and a smile as wide as Texas.