Entries to the carving contest

Deft and daring delicate dessert disaster prevention professionally provided by Patrick. Sue looks on in amazement

Chris critiques Cecelia's creative collection of condiments and casseroles

Cookoff contestants and chili connosieurs crowd closely, choosing competing creations. Jimmy tests the prevailing winds.

Marinated in Andy's special recipe, the chicken is grilled by our master barbecue chef

And they're off!!! Get that chili while you can! This year's entries were all wonderful -- every one was great. Dave Simmons' Thai Chili was the winner. Imagine, if you will -- the tastes of Pad Thai and cumin and chili powder. It was a winner, but so were they all!

Serious eating and judging going on here...

A beautiful sunny Southern California afternoon for a social event