ANDREAS - With the winter doldrums beating down on the county, Galen Glen Winery wants to spice things up a bit.
From noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 18, the winery plans to do just that with an inaugural chili cook-off.
"A chili cook-off is a great way for people to come in from the cold and warm their hearts, souls and bellies with something good," Kathy Matson, tasting room manager for Galen Glen Winery, said.
So far, the winery has received six entries. Matson said the goal is eight, but there is room for 12.
"(Four of) the people who have responded so far have been winners from other chili competitions," she said.
The cook-off rules are that the chili must contain either Galen Glen Stone Cellar Chambourcin or Cellar Red Wine; ingredients must be available for all to see; and contestants must give permission for the winery to use and publish the recipe.
Those who attend the cook-off will choose the top three winners. The first-place winner will receive a bottle of Cellar Red Wine and two tasting glasses; second place will be awarded a bottle of Cellar Red Wine and the third-place winner will receive two Galen Glen tasting glasses.
"We will share this recipe with 600 or 700 different people," Sarah Troxell, wine maker at the winery, said.
The winning recipe will also be available to sample, along with either of the two wines mentioned, for free at the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 and 12 to 5 p.m. Oct. 19 at the winery. Additional wine tasting is also available for a small fee during the October event.
Those who wish to enter a chili recipe in the event may do so for free, but the registration deadline is Saturday. The snow date is Jan. 25. Contestants may get an application or more information by emailing gruveegruner@galenglen.com or calling 570-386-3682.