09/25/2025
CALLING OUR NEXT VEGAN CHILI CHAMPION!
We would love for YOU to enter your favorite vegan chili into this year's cook off happening October 11! Does your chili have what it takes? Do you have a secret ingredient that will put everyone else's chili last? Do you have the confidence? Are you ready to show everyone what your chili has got??!
All you need is a crock pot (or pan warmer) and delicious vegan chili to share, and you are already one step closer to gaining the bragging rights that Chase laid claim to last year!
We took a moment to interview Chase so you can learn a little more about him and about what to expect at this years event! We will say that at the start of the interview, he was sure he would not compete again this year, but by the end he was so excited in remembering how much fun he had that he said, "I don't know, I just might return for 2025!"
Will he come to defend his title? We will have to wait and see!
The interview:
-What inspired you to enter the cook off last year?-
"Well, my chili is phenomenal, and I just wanted to give everyone the opportunity to taste how good my chili is!"
-What kind of chili is it?-
"It's like a traditional chili. It's not like a coney sauce that you put on chili dogs or anything"
-Did you create it just for the event?-
"It's a recipe I've been making for years. I just love it so much!"
-Any secret ingredients that you would like to share?-
"Secret ingredients?"
-Or the whole recipe? Haha!-
"Ha! Well, I do put in a lot of bay leaves. That may be a secret ingredient. That and sweet corn."
-That's very interesting. Now you need to enter this year so I can try your chili!-
"You know, I just might!"
-What was the prize that you took home?-
"It was an old style Sasha Apron AND bragging rights. Bragging rights for the best vegan chili!"
-How long have you been vegan?-
"9 years this fall"
-What would you say to someone who thinks vegan food can't be hearty and flavorful?-
"Oh that's a good question!"
-Right? Because when people first think about going vegan, they think salads and then think that they will never be full or have flavor again, but that is soo not the truth.-
"Right, I mean, I would just say come to this years event and try the chili. The heartiness and deliciousness all speaks for themselves. I'd say give it a shot!"
-What is your history with Sasha Farm?-
"I currently work at Barn Sanctuary, but used to work at Sasha Farm."
-Tell me a little about that.-
"It's always a joy to be able to spend time with the residents, and to be able to experience all of their different personalities! Being part of that is special."
-Final question. Are there any words of encouragement or wisdom for this years chili contestants?-
"Yes, BRING THE FLAVOR!"
If you'd like to enter the cook off, you can email [email protected] for more information and to register. Contestant spots are limited to 12, so don't wait! Entry closes October 3rd.
Complete festival information, including ticket options for those who simply wish to enjoy the chili, fun, & animal residents can be found in our event section & in the comments below.
Come see why this event is one of our favorite events to host!
Hope to see you soon!
