Chili and skating overcome frigid temperatures for MPCC cook-off party

See the recipe for the event's winning chili

On February 4, frigid temperatures of -21 C proved no match for community spirit and delicious food as the Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) kicked off the new year with its annual Skate Party and Chili Cook-Off event.

As I walked from my parked car on Lonsdale Rd., I could hear the music and glee coming from the Manor Park Community Centre.

Spearheaded by Arts Supervisor Stephanie Sears and Sports Supervisor Josh Cassidy, and facilitated by a team of staff and volunteers, residents from Manor Park and the Ottawa area arrived to enjoy the festivities. “I like the events that the [MPCC] puts on … it’s a nice opportunity to make the best of winter,” pronounced five-year old Birgit, who lives in Manor Park.

The outdoor event consisted of games, firepits with s’mores, and the opportunity to skate on Manor Park’s two rinks. Mark Flemming, who resides outside the Manor Park area, was out on the rink with his wife and two sons. “We were debating whether come to out because of the [temperature], but we wanted to get out and skate,” he said.

Ottawa 67’s mascot Riley the Raccoon made an appearance to meet and greet with families during the night.

And, of course, who could forget the chili? Five contestants entered their own variations on the classic meal into the Chili Cook-off, and, following deliberations, the judges crowned a winner.

Gabriel Morales, 12, whose chili contained vivid notes of cinnamon, took home first prize. “[It was] to help the community, not for the competition,” said the Chili Champ, “I’m very proud to be part of this community.”

As the coldest February 4 in Ottawa in 100 years wound down, it was clear that those in attendance had enjoyed themselves. Rain or shine, frozen or thawed, the MPCC will continue to run events throughout the year.

This article was written by Carleton University journalism student Christian Sennema.

Here is Gabriel Morales’s winning chili recipe from the Manor Park Community Council’s Skate Day and Chili Cook-Off event.

G&G Morales’s chili recipe

Ingredients:

• Onions
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Celery
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Peas
• Veal ground beef
• Mixed beans
• Tomato paste
• Canned tomatoes (no-salt-added)
• White pepper
• Ground cinnamon
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt-free seasoning

Instructions:

1. Dice onions and caramelize with garlic, add the ground meat, and season with white pepper, cinnamon, salt-free seasoning (garlic, onion, black pepper, basil, rosemary, fennel. marjoram), and then add salt to taste.
2. Add all vegetables except tomatoes and cook until everything is
   well incorporated.
3. Add one small can of tomato paste and mix well.
4. Add two cans of tomatoes and mix.
5. Add an extra large can of mixed beans or three cans of different types
   of beans and two cups of water.
6. Add the bay leaves. Let simmer for 30 minutes.

Enjoy! Buen provecho!