A bowl of turkey chili (Breezy Mama)

ANNUAL EVENT FEATURES CREATIVE RECIPES FROM ACROSS PALMETTO STATE

It is perhaps the greatest event of the year for Palmetto State chili connoisseurs: The Palladium Society’s Annual Chili Cook-Off in Columbia.

Chili lovers and novices alike from across South Carolina will gather on Feb. 27 to cook up and sample some of Columbia’s most creative recipes.

The 12th annual event is hosted by Historic Columbia Foundation and features a variety of chili recipe contestants, judging by local celebrities and chefs, live music provided by Gaslight Street, and prizes for the winners.

Each year boasts some of the most creative chili recipes and a few surprises. Entries include vegetarian and meat recipes, as well as a “heart healthy” recipe competition judge by a registered dietitian.

The cook-off will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ellison Building on the State Fairgrounds.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets include beer, wine, sample tastings of each entered chili, as well as a House Chili. To purchase tickets, call (803) 252-7742 ext. 29. For more information, visit HistoricColumbia.org.