Melanie Skipper-Relyea took time out from her busy schedule to chat with Dallas Kosher Foodie (DKF) and discuss what it was like competing in a new category of chili – vegetarian chili. Melanie’s decision to step forward and lead the way with her hand-picked team started an entirely new division within the competition. Last year her team won first place among veggie chilis.
This year a turkey chili division will be introduced. So, look for new chili pioneers in this year’s cook-off.
DKF: What’s it like to be a Kosher Chili champion?
MR: I got to keep the trophy in my custody for a little while. I took photos of it and posted it on Facebook so my veggie-loving and chili-loving friends saw it. Then I returned it to Tiferet Israel.
DKF: Will you be competing this year?
MR: Yes, on the Tiferet Israel II – The Veggie Edition team.
DKF: What was the origin of the vegetarian chili teams in the cook-off?
MR: I had come to the cook-off at least twice before. I remember asking at the gate if there were any vegetarian chilis and getting a “maybe, you’ll have to check’ or a “no” answer only to find out that there wasn’t any. We became more involved at Tiferet and I had more of a stake in the congregation. I was tired of not getting eat the chili when we came to the cook-off. Calls for teams went out last year and I thought I should, “Be the change you want to see.” I thought that there have to be more Kosher vegetarians here than just us [Melanie, her husband Aaron, and children]. So with much excitement, or dread in my case, Aaron told Scott Janco, the co-chair, my idea. Scott greeted it with enthusiasm. The demand was there and we were told there could be a whole division. Lo and behold, six teams signed up and fived competed. Aaron went to the team meeting and we learned all about the ingredients, rules the Vaad has and we got education about how to work within the time restrictions and follow the Kosher rules to make our recipe fit.
DKF: How was your first Kosher Chili Cook-off?
MR:I knew we needed four people for the team. We had the pleasure of being at my friend Nancy Israel’s house for Shabbat. Nancy has a reputation among her friends as an amazing cook. When I’ve asked friends for recipes, they say that Nancy gave it to them. She’s a true friend to have helped us. Then Bob Mason, whose “home” synagogue is Tiferet Israel, heard what we were planning. He’s also a vegetarian and was happy to help out. He proved to be handy in the kitchen and remarkably funny as well, so he was also a good person to have around when things got tough. I didn’t know him before and now we’ve formed a friendship because of his involvement. Aaron is the fourth team member. I also had to figure out a recipe that would work within the time restrictions of the competition.
l to r: Bob Mason, Aaron Relyea, Melanie Skipper-Relyea, and Nancy Israel formed last year's winning Tiferet Israel veggie chili team
DKF: What was most memorable about last year’s cook-off?
MR: It was fun to see people’s reactions, “This is so good. I didn’t know that a vegetarian chili could be this good.” We had a lot of skeptics stop by and some were brave enough to try it. They asked me what bracha [blessing] to say, so I had to be prepared for that. It was good to hear from families and for those who are “born to be mild, not wild.”
DKF: Any funny things happen last year?
MR: Yes, I have a funny story from last year. We had lots of cans of ingredients and no can opener. We were lucky enough to borrow a can opener. A nice can opener is on our shopping list this year!
DKF: What’s the best part of finishing in first place in the cook-off?
MR: Hugging my trophy! This is Texas so you’re going to have your purists who don’t want their chili messed with, whether that’s with veggies or turkey. But, if you try it, you just might like it! Also, this competition is proof that vegetarian food doesn’t have to be rabbit food. You can eat healthy for your body, healthy for the planet and it can taste fabulous.
DKF: Can you reveal this year’s strategy?
MR: Our goal is to defend the title and keep the trophy. The kids will be with us this year and that will make it a family affair. Aaron and I switched off last year [between cooking and watching children]. This year they’ll be with us the whole time.
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