So there were nine contestants in the 4th annual Central Market Hatch Chile Recipe Contest.  I was honored to participate and represented my culture and home state, New Mexico, well, in this, my first foray into recipe competition. I heart green chile.  The prize booty.  Top prize was $100 plus the gift basket plus bushels of green chile.  Imelda Alvarez - Hatch Pups Michael Saiz - State Line Hatch Green Chile Meatball Sandwich Garrett Heath - Momma Heath's Famous Queso Unknown - Unknown Laura Bray - BL-Hatch with Creamy Hatch Tomato Bisque Keli Davidson - Fiesta Chile Lisa Hales - Hatch Chile Cupcakes Shannon Morgan - Chile Chocolate Cherry Bread

Adele Williams - Hatch Pepper & Avocado Ice Cream 

This bald head is me plating my dishes.  I felt so Top Chef. 

One of the judges squuees with delight when she sees my giant balls---my giant meatballs.  Garrett's mom hails from New Mexico.  Catch his food musings here.  Police Chief McManus and local celeb Tanji Patton take their judging seriously.  BTW, Chief McManus just about ate my entire giant meatball.  
And the winner is:  Adele Williams.  Congrats. That ice cream looked delish. Group photo of contestants and judges.

This was a great experience and a bunch of fun.  Not bad for my first time out for in this type of competition.  Next year, when I am chosen again, I will know what to expect and will use this years experience to push to the top.

I placed with an Honorable Mention. OK, just like in T-ball, all entries got a prize but heck it was $20, I'll take it after all these are desperate times.  

PS:  The entire event was just a bit disorganized for my taste but oh well, that's San Antonio for you.

PPS:  Extra special thanks to the gals in the Live Cooking part of the grocery store.  They were very generous with their help in warming up my balls. 

PPPS:  Guess the judges had a sweet tooth?  I believe all three top winning dishes were desserts?