So you think you can cook chili?

Calling all chili meisters.

If you think you make the meanest pot of chili in town, then dig out your propane gas stove, 'cause here's your chance to prove it.

Chili season hits high gear with the E.G. Simmons Park annual Chili Cook-off on Feb 19. I look forward to it every year.

Sponsored by Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation & Conservation, this battle of the beans features some of the best chili cooks around fighting for bragging rights, trophies - and cold, hard cash.

This is one no-holds-barred competition. I've attended the past two years and thoroughly enjoyed watching the cooks prepare their top-secret recipes and then sampling their wares. While some versions are mild or spicy and nicely balanced, others are fiery, toenail-curling stews that call for an aggressive use of assorted chili peppers.

There is no entry fee for cooking, but contestants need to prepare at least 10 gallons of their favorite concoction for the large crowds that show up. Last year, that meant 3,000 people.

You'll need to name your chili something cool, like Montezuma's Revenge, Prescribed Burn or Hot Attack - all recipes in last year's cook-off. And self-promotion is essential. This is no contest for the feint of heart.

It also helps if you can talk trash. Last year, one sign posted at a competitor's booth read "our competitors' secret ingredient" over a photo of two cans of chili and a can of Alpo. It's all good fun and friendly banter.

For the first time this year, the competition will include a panel of "celebrity" judges, said Jason Chilson, senior park manager. So far, Tampa Tribune columnist Steve Otto, a chili-cooking legend in his own right, County Commissioner Sandy Murman and myself are on board.

The cash prizes go to the top three chili cooks, as judged by the panel, and to the winner of the People's Choice Award. Best-decorated booth gets a trophy, and one cook or team of cooks gets the Phil Rogers Trash-Talking Award.

You must pre-register, so if you're interested in being a contestant or need additional information, call (813) 671-7655 and ask for Jason.

If you're in the mood for eating and not cooking, you may purchase a bowl for $3, which is then used to taste the various recipes. Then you get to vote for your favorite. Tasting and judging begins at noon at the park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin.

You know you make the best chili in town, so gather your beans and get in the contest!

This week, I'm sharing a recipe for an accompaniment. I can't think of anything that goes better with a simmering pot of chili than cornbread - or cornbread wafers. Well, maybe a cold beer.