Everyone already knows how I heart Hatch Green Chile so I always find a way to get involved with HEB Central Market's Hatch Festival.  Last year I was a finalist in this very prestigious and important recipe contest but this year I was invited to participate as a judge.  The post from last year is here. Thank you HEB Central Market.  

Seven contestants but only six pix of the great dishes?  S, you're fired from taking pix when I am judging events. LOL. 

Here the finalists describe their dishes in detail.  Again, seven contestants but only five pix?  Hmmm?  Even in the group picture I only see six---sorry #7. 

The entertainment wows the crowd while the judges determine the winner.  Do you see me in white with the shiny bald head?

And the winner is...Green Chile Apple pie. Congrats.

Every adjective you can think of to describe a perfect food---insert here----------------> !!!  It was that good. 

PS:  I learned that HEB is the largest retailer for Hatch Green Chile in the whole United States.  Wowza. 

PPS:  I learned that HEB now carries an extra-hot Hatch green chile.  Wowza. 

PPPS:  I learned that it's a lot less pressure being a judge than a contestant. This was a lot more fun but next year I want to work on a recipe again. 

PPPPS:  The winner from last year was there as a judge as well:  Adele Williams.