Welcome to the tart cherry cook and bake-off sponsored by the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers. Watch and participate as Chef Dad and UrbanMoms staffer and want-to-be-chef Carol battle it out over the next two weeks. You, our members, will be in the judge's seat as you decide who has done the best job with the two fabulous recipes featuring tart cherry products. Your job is simple: check in each week and read both Gav's and Carol's recipe reviews and compare the pictures of their final product! Let us know who did it best by commenting below and you'll earn a ballot for a Kitchen Aid® Stand Mixer courtesy of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers!
For this recipe I was a little nervous that I wouldn't be able to get as much flavour out of the ground turkey as a chili needs. So, I decided to swap out the turkey for some medium ground beef. I was really keen to see what element the cherries would add to a classic dish that does not usually have any fruit in it.
The chili was tasty and the various spices included really helped to give this quick-cook chili some oomph. Dried tart cherries are a great addition to any recipe because they instantly add a flavour shot of both sweetness and tartness. This pleasant addition to the chili did not disappoint - it really helped transform an otherwise blasée dish into something unique.
You may be wondering, what exactly are dried tart cherries?
To put it simply, dried tart cherries are similar in appearance and texture to a dried cranberry.
Although their look may be similar to a cranberry, their taste is not. The flavour of these delicious cherries is absolutely incredible. They are a phenomenal mixture of sweet and tart, simply bounding in flavour. Tart cherries (aka Prunus cerasus) are an antioxidant powerhouse. In fact, they contain similar amounts of disease-fighting antioxidants as blueberries. Ongoing studies suggest cherries may have unique health benefits, such as helping to reduce inflammation and the pain of arthritis and gout. But don't think of cherries as just a "summer fruit." Unlike their fresh cousins that show up only during the summer, tart cherries are available every month of the year.
This week is Cherry Chili:
Cherry Chili
Adapted from Cheryl Forberg, ChooseCherries.com
Ingredients:
4 ounces dried tart cherries, chopped (3/4 cup)
2 cups fat free low sodium chicken broth, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon fresh chopped garlic
1 pound medium ground beef
1 roasted red Bell pepper, cut into 1/4" cubes
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups chopped tomatoes
1 16-ounce can, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Preparation:
1. Heat one cup of the broth. Place cherries in small mixing bowl. Add hot broth and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute for about five minutes or until onion is soft. Add garlic and cook one minute longer. Do not brown garlic. Add beef and cook until it is no longer pink.
3. Add roasted Bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, coriander, mustard and oregano. Cook mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for about two minutes. Add tomatoes and remaining cup of broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in beans, cherries (strained from liquid) and cilantro. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until mixture is just heated through. Season with additional salt if desired.
Carol:
I love cherries. Their sweetness and texture and are a phenomenal combination.
While I adore cherries I haven't used them much when baking or cooking. I was so pleased when Jen, the founder of UrbanMoms, asked me to cook and bake a few recipes from Tart Cherries. My pleasure was somewhat diminished after learning that I would be competing against Chef Dad in a Tart Cherry cook/bake-off. You must be kidding, I thought...I'm going to get slaughtered by our resident expert. Keep this in mind as my ultimate massacre is in your precious hands...so please be kind!
Cherry Chili
Adapted from Cheryl Forberg, ChooseCherries.com
Ingredients:
4 ounces dried tart cherries, chopped (3/4 cup)
2 cups fat free low sodium chicken broth, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon fresh chopped garlic
1 pound medium ground beef
1 roasted red Bell pepper, cut into 1/4" cubes
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups chopped tomatoes
1 16-ounce can, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Preparation:
1. Heat one cup of the broth. Place cherries in small mixing bowl. Add hot broth and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute for about five minutes or until onion is soft. Add garlic and cook one minute longer. Do not brown garlic. Add beef and cook until it is no longer pink.
3. Add roasted Bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, coriander, mustard and oregano. Cook mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for about two minutes. Add tomatoes and remaining cup of broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in beans, cherries (strained from liquid) and cilantro. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until mixture is just heated through. Season with additional salt if desired.
Carol:
I love cherries. Their sweetness and texture and are a phenomenal combination.
While I adore cherries I haven't used them much when baking or cooking. I was so pleased when Jen, the founder of UrbanMoms, asked me to cook and bake a few recipes from Tart Cherries. My pleasure was somewhat diminished after learning that I would be competing against Chef Dad in a Tart Cherry cook/bake-off. You must be kidding, I thought...I'm going to get slaughtered by our resident expert. Keep this in mind as my ultimate massacre is in your precious hands...so please be kind!
With minimal preparation and relative ease I was able to put this recipe together. So how did it taste? The short answer is...great! The cherries and spices created a unique and interesting depth to this dish. The combination of spices, ground turkey, and the sweetness of the tart cherries really worked. Did you notice that I mentioned ground turkey and not ground beef? This recipe is not only delicious, but good for you as well. My husband and I both really enjoyed the chili, but my youngest daughter wouldn't go near it. Chili is definitely not her thing...black beans, cilantro...not her thing. My older daughter thought the chili was good, and absolutely adored the addition of the cherries.
The low down:
The chili was quick and easy to prepare. This is a great recipe for working mothers as you will have leftovers for the next day. The cherries were a great update to my regular chili recipe, a perfect way to add the unexpected to a fantastic fall dish.
Gav:
For this recipe I was a little nervous that I wouldn't be able to get as much flavour out of the ground turkey as a chili needs. So, I decided to swap out the turkey for some medium ground beef. I was really keen to see what element the cherries would add to a classic dish that does not usually have any fruit in it.
The chili was tasty and the various spices included really helped to give this quick-cook chili some oomph. Dried tart cherries are a great addition to any recipe because they instantly add a flavour shot of both sweetness and tartness. This pleasant addition to the chili did not disappoint - it really helped transform an otherwise blasée dish into something unique.
Ok judges...it's time to cast your vote. Which chili do you want to dig your spoon into? Let us know who did it best - was it underdog UrbanMoms staffer Carol, or Chef Dad...you decide. Simply comment below and you could win a KitchenAid Artisan® Series 5 qt Stand Mixer courtesy of the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers.
Click here for contest Rules and Regulations.
Click here for contest Rules and Regulations.
I vote for Chef Dad his dish looks more appetizing to me.
Yum! I love chili. Both pictures look so delicious it's hard to decide. I guess I would have to pick Gav's chili because the contrast of colours between the tomato, beans and cherries look so amazing.
Never thought of using dried cherries in my chili. I will have to try it next time I make a batch!
I would have to choose Carol's chili because her photo includes bread. I need something to dip into my chili. Eating chili alone just doesn't do it for me.
Really unique ingredients in the recipe. I will have to try it out.
Hmm, might try this recipe for next year's United Way chili cook-off.
Chef Dad's photo is making me hungry so I'll have to give my vote to him.
Sorry underdog Carol, although I really enjoyed your write-up!
I would have to pick Gav's Chili - the photo is fantastic, great contrasts
I would love to take a bite out of Chef Dad...I mean Chef Dad's chilli, I love a man who knows his way around the kitchen...:)
A good recipe review from Carol so she gets my vote this week. A more colourful photo would have been nice!
I have to go with Cheryl because I am a sucker for the underdog!
I have to go with Chef Dad's recipe. The variation of the traditional is interesting.
Yep, gav's chili. I'm a chili junkie!!
This is really hard because I'm a traditional chili lover but my vote goes to Chef Dad because of the chunks and colours apparent in his chili!
I would have to choose Cheryl's recipe, it appeals more to me than the other one.
Hi, I will vote for Gav, "chef dad" because I like his picture best. I liked seeing the bigger chunks of tomato, it added some great colour. Thanks
Gav's submission looks the best to me.
Chef Dad's (Gav) chili looks more appetizing - I like his presentation in a colourful dish more than Carol's bland white one.
I am going with Carol. Chef Dad's picture was a lot better, but I didn't like the "blasee" note about chili. Chili is great!
I'm going with Chef Dad - dish looks great to me.
Chef Dad looks the best
I will go with Carol. Looks yummy
I have to say Chef Dad looks great and I can hardy wait to try making it myself. I know my household will love it!
While Gav's photo is definately better, my vote goes to Cheryl for keeping the ground turkey in the recipe!
Yum, I would pick Chef Dad's it appeals more to me than the other one.
Chef Dad did it for me although it was very close to call.
Tough choice, but I'd have to go with Chef Dad because his photos made my mouth water!
I would have to say Carols, because I am trying to work turkey instead of beef into our eating habits.
Gav's pic look much more appealing to me
Chef Dad!
chef dad is my pick!
spynaert@hotmail.com
I'm saying Gav.
My vote goes to Gav, it certainly looks yummy.
I vote for Carole
I vote for Carol ground turkey is a good alternative.
I have to go with Gav!!! The photo itself made me want to dig my spoon in and taste it! It looks so good !!!!
I pic Chef Gav his looks more appealing and fresh. Good job Gav. I wish I had some right now LOL
I am going to have to vote for Chef Dad....it looks like a yummy variation of traditional chili and the colours are amazing....mmmmmm chili :)
Chef Dad's recipe looks very enticing!
I'll choose Gav's. It looks good with the contrast of colours
I vote for Chef Dad... Pictures are beautiful, Chili looks mouthwatering! Go Chef Dad!
They say you eat with your eyes and my eyes would pick Chef Dad, (Gav). His chili has amazing color. YUMMY!!
My vote is for Chef Dad, I love ground beef in chili, not a fan of the turkey. His picture looks a little more appetizing too!
Great job to both of you, never would have thought of adding dried cherries to a chilli.
Chef Dad all the way!! His chili is making me hungry for my lunch already!!
Chef Dad has a brighter photo but I'm going to pick Carol since it's nice to find a flavorful dish that avoids red meat.
I would have to go with Gav as the colours and texture look far more appealing. Cheryl's looks all one colour and not very appetizing.
If we're going strictly by presentation, I'll give my vote to Chef Dad. But knowing that first impressions arn't everything, my vote goes to Carol. With the winter weather coming on it's a great time to pull out the crock pot and whip up a batch for the entire family.
Just a side note -- you'll be pleased to know that the dried tart cherries are a fat-fee snack! Nature's candy.
I am drawn to Chef dad for his colourful presentation,the texture of the chunkiness of the ingredients and I prefer beef over turkey in my chilli.
Good Job -Chef dad-!!
I'm going with Gav's -- and now I'm hungry! LOL
Carol gets my vote.
My vote goes to Gav (Chef Dad). I'm not a huge chili fan but if I'm eating it I prefer the meaty chunky less saucy kind. His picture appeared that way. Cherries in chili ... Who'd have thouhgt. I will be giving that a try for sure.
Chef Dad - for the more colourful dish. The bright reds make this more appetizing to me.
Chef Dad, his photo is better.
I'm just wondering. Why is there no salt in this recipe? Is there enough in the chicken broth without having to add more?
I'd have to vote for chef dad...looks more appetizing.
I like chef Dad's chili - I like my chili and salsa's chunkier and usually served with corn chips - making it fun to scoop up. Giving mom a break from cooking dinner :-)
Love the look of Chef Dad's chili...it is so colourful!
My vote goes to Cheryl. She worked hard and created a very new and interesting dish. Great work!
Chef Dad wins in my view. It was interesting to see chili on a plate and not in a bowl. Plus, I thought his meal looked perfectly cooked and appealing, while Carol's looked a little overcooked and mushy.
i vote for the chilli - yum!
My vote goes to Carol. I prefer the saucier version.
I like Carol's chili because I like a juicier chili to dip the bread in.
I have to vote for Cheryl and her great use of leftover turkey, never would have thought of using it in chili!!
I think I like Carols chili even though Chef Dads looks very good as well hers looks yummy.
Chef Dad ... looks delicious!
I am going for Carol's chili, I love ground turkey in chili I find it brings out more of the natural spices and now the tartness of the cherries that are used and not so much of the meat. YUMMMM!!!!
Carol has me wanting to park myself right up ather table and no worries if her little daughter doesn't want to eat, my daughter and her daughter can go off and play together, it must be the age!
It may just be the photography, but Gav's looks fantastic!
Gav's looks good and I don't even eat cherries!
Hands down Gav got my vote. If Im going to have chili it doesnt seem right to not included meat. Carols would be good too for those occasions when you would like a change from meat
Gav's chili looks really appetizing!
It's a tough one, but I went with Cherry Chili, guess i am a chilli girl at heart.
My vote goes to Chev Dad, Gav. Only reason for this is the photo his looks so much more appealing to me. Hard to vote with out tasting as you really only vote by look, and Gav picture is great
Gav's recipe will be a real winner when I serve this in the next group potluck. This adaptation should provide a very unique dish that will keep them coming back for more.
by appearance alone I like Gav's...the use of the red and and contrasting with dark beans, plus it looks like a new twist to the common chili
If I had both bowls in front of me, I would immediately gravitate towards Carol's dish - to me, that's what a bowl of chili looks like. Gav's dish looked like a bowl of chili I would be served at a fancy restaurant - nothing wrong with that, it looks awesome, but I prefer the 'soupiness' look of Carol's with some great crusty bread - yummmm! Although I agree with Gav that chili just has to include meat and that turkey can be dry - so I would make that little alteration in the recipe. Thanks!
Of the two, I like the presentation of Gav. Chili is a favourite of mine during winter time.
Chef Dad's chili looks more appetizing - his presentation very colorful dish more than Carol's bland white one...Yummy
i'd have to pick Carol... turkey is the better choice for me.
Sorry Carol, I have to go with Chef Dad - the colours really stand out and it looks super yummy. It's hard to believe that I find Chili appealing at 9:00 in the morning. However, the idea of cooking/baking with tart cherries is a great one and I look forward to trying them out in place of raisins.
I vote for Carol, the picture could have been better but I prefer that version.
Based on the photo and recipe I would pick Gav's. It is colourful and has larger bits of tomato and vegetables in it.
i would have to say chef dad's looks more appealing and the fact that he used turkey is a bonus.
My vote is for Carol! Good job incorporating turkey instead of beef. We need more recipes like that.
Chef Gav's turkey wins!
I would pick Carol's chili because her photo showed very colorful. I need something to dip into my chili...Yummy
They both look amazing but Gavs dish is more appealing to me.I think that is more colorful.Yum!
Gotta say I prefer Carol's health approach with the ground turkey. While a little drier than the beef usually found in chili, for me that's offset by the cherries.
No, doubt for me I would vote for Gav's. The picture looks more appetizing and although it may be healthier, I really do not like ground turkey in chili, it is just too bland for me.
I will vote for Carol's because she used the ground turkey to help make the dish a bit healthier!
I will vote for Chef Dad. The picture looks so appetizing and sold me.
I think I will go with Gav's dish it looks great
Chef Dad (Gav's) looks more aesthetically pleasing, so he gets my vote !
Both recipes sound delish, however I think I'd pick Carol's version because it's different and I like to try things that are of a new territory to me : )
I'm going to have to go with Chef Dad, his chili looks amazing!
underdog UrbanMoms staffer Carol gets my vote!!!
i am not a real fan of chili but if i had to choose i would pick chef dad looked like a crowd pleaser for sure:) way to go dad
I prefer Carol's because she used the ground turkey, which is a little healthier. Love the idea of using dried cherries in this recipe.
I like chef dad!! Looks amazing!
I would have to choose Carol, only because she used the healthier ground turkey in her version.
I prefer Carol's as the low sodium makes a difference in my family.
I like the overall appearance of Gav's chili but I would prefer ground turkey in it.
Gav's chili looks so delicious, my mouth is watering
i vote for Gav - the variety of colour gets my taste buds wanting more
Both look so yummy! Chili is such a great comfort food. My kids aren't crazy about it (yet) but my hubby and I are huge chili fans. I think I would have to go with Carol's version as I prefer a souplike chili rather than a chunky salsa type. I love the fact she used ground turkey! But I will admit it was a really hard choice as both look so appetizing. I will definitely be trying out this recipe!
It takes the imagination of a super-creative, health-conscious food innovator to come up with such a delicious new spin on an old favourite!
Thanks!
I would have to pick Gav's Chili - the photo is wonderful. Looks amazing and yummy.
My vote is for Gav. Looks great, but I would make it vegetarian.
although Gav's photo is very appealing - I'm going to go with Carol's recipe choosing the healthier turkey over and above the ground beef.
Hello, I think this would be awesome to serve at our hockey tournamnent. It looks delicious, however I would have displayed it in a very bright red bowl. Thank you for sharing.
Can't I pick Both??!!
They both sound absolutely delish!
But choosing from ingredients I would have to say Carols, because of the fact that she used turkey, better for us and all that. I would love to have the chance to taste either one and decide that way....
Good luck to both of you. :)
I would have to go with Gav. Love both recipes but his seemed to be more traditional with the cherries being the twist to an old favourite. Good luck to both and I will probably try both receipes in the future.
I love celantro! Carol you have my vote! The mix of ingredients are easy to find, and I am all for using less soduim chicken broth (there is to much salt in everything). The dish turned out really appitizing and colourful. I think I might steal this recipe for a winter fun day!
I would have to say Gav, as his pick looks more appetizing, since the colour is so vibrant. Carol's review was really good thou.
I am voting for Gav (Chef Dad)! His recipe looks and sounds yummy!!
I have to vote for Carol here - I am all for changing recipies, I do it all the time myself, BUT I love turkey, I think it has alot of flavor myself, honestly I think that the beef might have drowned out the tart cherry tast, as the turkey is mild and the beef is dominant in flavor, missising the whole point. I also liked that Carols was served in a bowl, I love a bowl of chili :) hmmm looks great!
Both sound delicious, but I have to go with Gav, since his chili wins points for appearance.
I vote for Carol, I love cherries and it appeals more to me than the other one.
I have to vote for the turkey chili. Anything that helps me to reduce on the amount of red meat I eat is a bonus and I think that the cherries would go better with turkey than the ground beef
Gav's Chili is something that looked good and I would want to try
They both sound so good but Gav's looks so yummy, so my vote goes to Gav!
Chef Dad's looks best to me.
I would have to choose Gav's chili as it looks better and I believe would taste better made with ground beef.
I'm siding with Gav also...I don't like chili so I'm going on look appeal and his looks better...
It could just be the lighting...or maybe Chef Dad has more experience photographing his his dishes but his looks yum!
I wish we could actually taste test :) I think I might try this recipe
I would have to vote for Gav (Chef dad), his dish is more visually appealing. Both recipes sound great but I think, for this recipe, I would use the ground beef, the recipe with the turkey may be healthier but looks too blah....sorry....
And I also would like to add that I never tried dried tart cherries in cooking but these recipes are making my think it may be time to try!
It would be hard for me to resist dipping my spoon into Chef Dad's dish, the photo is amazing, and the chili looks delicious! My vote goes to him :)
For me it has to be chef dad....it just looks sooooooo yummy!!
My vote goes with Chef Dad's dish -- it looks SO yummy and colourful! Would love to have a bowl of that in front of me right now... Mmmmmm!
Both Chili's look great but my vote is for Chef Dad Gav's. It looks chunkier and I like my chili Chunky and colourful!
Cherries in chili.... who would have thunk it ;) Love Gavs photo better, sorry Carol.
I vote for Carol....I love cilantro, and it looks like hers is a bit runnier than Chef Dad's. I love being able to dip bread into my chili.......yum!
I enjoyed Chef Dad's review. His photo is brilliant and enticing, and certainly makes me want to go right out, buy the ingredients and make the chili right this second! His observations are right to the point and are HIS opinions, not anyone elses.
I think that Chef Dad's looks more appetizing too. Sorry Carol!
Wow, it doesn't seem fair to be judging a dish based upon a photo alone - without being able to taste, how can you really judge? Plus, what if someone has a better camera than the other? Anyhoo, we have to follow the rules, so based upon that - my vote is with Gav, Chef Dad. The photo really is appealing - it looks a lot more colorful and fresh than Carol's dish - sorry Carol - but I betcha if I were able to taste the dishes, I may have another opinion. Cheers!
Chef Dad has my vote. Hearty and an interesting twist to the chili.
Thanks Dad...now I'm hungry!!
My vote is for Carol - primarily for using turkey and for a better write up including the recipe. One can only guess that Chef Dad used the same recipe but exchanged the turkey for hamburger, but maybe not???
I enjoyed both reviews, but Chef Dad's picture and recipe were both more appealing to me. :-)
I want to try both. Where can I buy the cherries?
Chef Dad's recipe and photo makes me hungry
I vote for Chef Dad
Chef Dad's recipe is more visual appealing and I think ground beef is just better in chili. I vote for him.
I will have to vote for Chef Dad on this one
Gav's Chili looks delicious ,I have to admit I love that he added some ground beef as well to the recipe. Gav you have my vote on this one !! ☺
Gav's Looks great and l will be trying this recipe. Always like to try something new.
That chili is making me soooo hungary.
I vote for chef dad... it looks delicious!
I vote for chef dad... his chili looks delicious!
I've gotta be loyal to my fellow urbanMoms.. so my vote is for Carol, plus the turkey sounds more health appealing. They both look delicious though!
I like my chili thick, so I'm going to vote for Chef Dad's chili. Both look great, though, and I love the idea of adding the cherries. What a great way to brighten up a spicy dish! :)
I would choose Carol's chili... both look delicious though!
I would choose Carol's chili, i think adding cherries is an interesting idea i will have to try it.
did someone say Chili...my family loves chili and now I will have to trry this recipe to see how yummy it is for myself.....
I'd have to say Chef Dad's chili, but Carol gave it a good go!!! I hate having to choose like that!!!! :D Definitely a unique ingredient for chili!
Carol gets my vote!
Yumm love Chili! I would vote for Gav's as his looks a little chunkier and that's how I like my chili.
I like Gav's as it doesn't look liquidy.
I like the way Gav's looks
Sorry Carol :(
I would also have to vote for Gav's chili. I love the bright colors and they are well balanced. It is also making me want to dig right in!
Unfortunately I am going for Gav on this one, his just looks a little more appetizing and btw hungry for chili now -- damn you Gav, I have a salad for lunch today
I choose Gav's I like to dip chili, Carol's sounds good, but was not too keen on presentation
Although both look good. Gav's chili had more contrasting colours so it looked more appetizing.
I'd vote for GAV
I vote Chef Dad (Gav). His dish is more colorful and looks more flavourful too.
I vote for Urbanmom Carol. I prefer ground turkey over ground beef!
I'd vote for the lower down - GAV.
This has the appearance on top of the taste. Look more healthy as you swapped out some ground beef with Turkey.
I will have to go with Gav's dish. It looks alive and inviting. It has vibrant colors and just looks more appetizing.
Gav's dish looks great. I want to go to there.
I absolutely love chili! They both look really good and I think I'm going to try both over the winter!!
I think I'll vote for Chef Dad's, judging by the picture only. Of course taste would be different, but I can't judge by that!! ;-)
Thank you!!
I vote for Carol I love the idea of the ground turkey!!
I love chili! Chef Dad's is my vote because I don't like ground turkey.
I'm afraid I WILL be trying Carol's Chili, turkey is so much better then beef and we already have way to may beef choices, so Turkey Chili it is...can't wait.
I vote for Chef Dad. Looks yummy!
It is the perfect time of year for chili! Chef Dad's sounds and looks much more appealing. The beefy taste will create a more satisfying flavor.
I would have to pick Gav's Chili looks delicious
Hi: Both recipes look great and sounds like they'd taste the same. My vote is for Gav's. It has a little more eye appeal. Just my opinion.
I would pick Gav's Chili as it looks awesome & has a great combination of ingredients. You go Gav! ;)
My vote goes with Carol since the ground turkey is healthier than the beef and I think it would go better with the cherries.
I truly appreciate Carol's efforts, but I would pick Gav's chili as it looks more colourful and interesting. More importantly I liked how he subsituted meats (thinking outside the recipe helps me), as I would substitute the meat for veggie ground beef. Even my meat -eating hubby would love a veggie version of Gav's chili, I think!!
Chef dad's looks amazing, interesting recipe.
My vote is for Chef Dad. But once the recipe is tried the kids will be the judge.
What a great idea! Unexpected antioxidants to sneak a few health benefits into my daughters. I will definitely be trying this recipe.
Gav's chili looks yum. Love the colours.
Sounds great for the fall/winter.
I liked the colour and look of Chef Dad's. You could serve me up a bowl right now!
My vote goes for Gav! I am not a big chili fan but must say it looks tempting!
I go with Gav. I could live on chili and I love cherries. In fact I think I will go and make chili for dinner. Yum yum. Good luck to you both.
I have to go with Gav, because I eat with my eyes first... and his picture is spectacular!
They all look amazingly delicious... but I will vote for Gav's chili. I love chili.
Wow, great recipe! Never would have thought of cherries in a chili recipe! My vote is for Gav - his picture looks the most appetizing to me (probably because it had better lighting!!).
Mmm they are both winners in my book, but my official vote goes to Carol for using ground turkey! LOVE ground turkey.
I am voting for Gav's chili. I adore chili, it is my favourite thing to make. His recipe looks more appealing because of the way it is presented, and the colours look brighter, even the angle the picture was taken at, makes it more appealing.
yum! They both look fabulous, but I will have to give my vote to Gav. The colours in his dish are beautiful
Wow so many great choices but I'm gonna have to go with Gav cause he's Chilli looks sick!!! And when I say sick I mean that in a good way as in it looks so good. Damn now i'm hungry and I wanna make some Chilli. lol
I will go with Cheryl. Can't let Gav win just because his picture looks so tasty. Like them both and what a cool idea.
Change the turkey for ground beef, no way. I'm voting Carol. The drab picture hurts your side though Carol.
I will go with Cheryl, to me it looks hearty and delicious
I think that Gav's looks the best!! I would love to try out that dish, it looks delicious
Turkey may be healthier, but it doesn't belong in my chilli. I just use x-lean beef. I am not willing to sacrifice on the taste. Gav, you have my vote for several reasons, the beef, the colors, the texture, and nice photography. Dried cherries, thanks for the info there. I am going to give them a try in a few different recipies.
Chef Dad's looks awesome, good luck!
My vote goes for Carol mostly because of the use of the healthier ground turkey.
I choose Gav's chilli because it looks more yummy from the colour of the meal and to support the male power!! hehehe....
Sounds a like a good recipe. I wouldn't have thought of those ingredients.
Chef Dad gets my vote.
They say that presentation is everything. If that's the case, then I vote for Gav. Not only does Gav's dish look more appealing, but the plate he served it in is a lot more colourful as well. Gav's whole picture also looks a lot more clearer and in focus, and you can also see the contrasting colours of all of the vegetables, fruit and meat. All of this makes Gav's dish of chili look more appetizing.
Both look deliciously appetizing, but I'm going with Carol for the ground turkey...which I imagine would complement the dried cherries better than ground beef.
I have to vote for Gav's chili, because it is far more colourful and appetizing looking.
I am voting for Gav's chilli! Looks delicious:)
I want a private lesson from the best brother in chef Gav.
I choose carol because I like the ground turkey and I find her picture looks more like homemade chili
I choose Gav's because of the brightness of the dish. I love chili and I would be digging into that one.
I would have to vote for Carol.
i would try chef dads chille because i like chille and cherries to thanks maureen
I don't eat beef but family members think the idea of tart cherries and earthy ground beef in a chili sounds awful , I agree.I would drop the cherries , meat and meat by products , and add more beans or lentils.I give both these recipes a thumbs down , this cook off looks like a desperate attempt by the sponsors to find a use for their product ......any use !
I'm sure I won't win with that statement but I have to be honest and this cook off is yucky !
I would try Chef Dads chilli. Looks very interesting
I vote for Chef Dad's dish; although both of them do look interesting.
Two thumbs up for Carol, whose attempt to create a healthier version of chili (with the substitution of ground turkey instead of ground beef) won me over. The sweet tartness of those dried cherries complements the milder taste of turkey. I'm going to try this recipe tonight!
Gav's chili looks more appealing. I vote for him.
I'm going with Gav :) Well Done!
Gav gets my vote. His dish looks like it wants to jump off the screen. Fresh, colourful, and very appetizing! What a unique ingredient, can't wait to try this!
I'm going to try them all sooner or later, but first will be Chef Dad.
I vote for Chef Dad. Looks and sounds delicious!
My vote is for chef dad's ..it looks more appetizing !! love it ..when a man can go in the kitchen and cook a awesome meal and give me a nite off from cooking .. Great Job ..Chef Dad
Gav's recipe looks very rich and tasty. I wouldn't mind giving it a try !!
I vote for Carol, she's done a better job :)
I'm voting for Gav's version - looks wonderful and seems easy to prepare.
I vote for Chef Dad!
I will go for Chef Dad's recipe, because his looks absolutely DEELICIOUS!!!!
Both dishes look very yummy. My vote goes to Carol though, as I liked her reveiw more and, personally, I prefer a saucy looking chili so I can dip corn bread into it. Mmmmm!
My vote definitely goes with Chef Dad's recipe. Both sound delicious but his chili looked scrumptious!! You know what they say, "first you eat with the eyes".
Chef Dad has my vote, it looked more appealing to me.
Linda
Chef dad has my vote, his chili looked delicious!
Chef Dad's looks super yummy!! It has made me hungry!
I vote for Gav!
I vote for Carol's recipe. Chef Dad indicated that he doesn't like using turkey for chili, but I have would have to disagree as I have found turkey works really in dishes such as this!
I have to say I have tried thr turkey in chili and hate it even though i like it in other things, to me chili is hamburger sorry but some things are made to stay the same. I would have to go for Chef Dad's sigh sorry Gay.
Id have to go with Carol, although they all look yummo!
Carol, you have my vote!!! I only use chicken, turkey, or fish in my kitchen...so, yum! on the turkey usage! Top it off with the fact that it's easy to make.....Woot! Woot!
I'm going with Chef Dad. I like being able to take an existing recipe and making changes on the fly and making it your own.
I would have to vote for Gav, as his chili looks so colourful and appetizing, I'm sure it's delicious!!
I will have to vote for Carol!
She wrote an excellent review of the recipe and she also followed the recipe.
I would think that if the cherries are similar to cranberries that they would go quite well with the turkey in this recipe.
Chef dad for me
My vote is for Carol. Not only does the picture look good, but I think she gets extra brownie points for sticking to the recipe. Ground beef is so last year :P
I would definitely vote for Carol. Personally, I enjoy ground turkey rather than ground beef: I can almost taste it!
i choose chef dad...it just looks a little more appetizing...good luck
i have to pick carols.... looks sooo yummy... even thought the other picture has such bright colours, i like my chili a little less chunky :)
Mmm Chili I think I'll make some this weekend after viewing these *drool*
My vote goes for Chef Dad aka Gav
They both sound delicious, although I would have to say I would probably choose Chef Dad's as it looks more appetizing. And he is right ground turkey has such a mild flavor to be used in something like chili, with all it's bold flavors.
I find it very hard to judge the recipes based on pictures only. You can't always judge a book by it's cover..so to speak. :) Some of the best food in the world can be a bit unattractive! look at caviar, and lobster for an example. lol
I actually made this last night, and omg it's to DIE for. Yes Gav's looks more appealing, but I think he may have a better camera than Cheryl. ;) My recipe came out looking a lot like Cheryls...and it was still to DIE for...it actually looks like chili. I think Gav's looks more Of a thicker "casserole" texture..IMO.
Now, about the recipe/ingredients (in general)
I mean who would have thought that cherries would taste so darn good in CHILI?
My kids gobbled it up..and wanted seconds. When I told my husband what the little dark tart red pieces were he was shocked they were cherries!!
A-MAZ-ING. :)
This chili is a NEW family favorite on Saturday nights, when we're all home to enjoy it as a family..when school and work is out for the weekend.
CAROL! Not Cheryl..MY bad LOL ^ (turns the color of cherries..out of embarrassment) haha
I would have to go with Carol's. It looks fantastic and actually made me hungry.
My vote is with Cheryl as looks more appealing to my family
They both look really good,but I will have to go with Chef Dads! :)
I must pick a recipe that has bread with its chili..thank you carol
My MOM just grew my family up that way.
My vote is for Carol! I love that she used ground turkey!
I have to go with Chef Dad on this one. The colours in his photo really stand out. But Carol did add bread to hers; I like to dip it in my chili.
I have to go with Gav. The bright colours really make the dish more appealing. Although Carol's chili appears duller she did present the chili nicely.
I'm voting for Gav - I prefer ground beef in my chili - I have to add his pictures are outstanding! I need to know his secrets for photographing food!!!
I'm voting for Chef Dad. Your chili looks so yummy! (good job to Carol!)
I vote for Chef Dad. I am definitely going to try his recipe!!
I have to vote for Chef Dad - the photo looks delicious and he really made me want to try it with his description as well.
I vote for the chilli
Chef Dad's Chili looks DELICIOUS!!! Sounds yummy too!! He's got my vote that's for sure!!!
I think Gav did it best....but it's close.
They both look good, but I'd like to vote for Gav's Chili... Looks yummy!
I think Gav's Chilli looks Delicous!!!
The both look great and are making me hungry. I love the color in Gav's and I love the fact that the meat just jumps out at you. Very appealing to the eye. Chef Dad also looks great and more comforting. But since I can only choose one I will chose what I would like on my plate and that would be Gav. Yum Yum Time for Lunch
I will opt for Gav's recipe. And, would also try it with a few chopped dried figs, add a little more spice. Loves spices with figs or/raisins but never tried Carol's version with turkey and cherries.... it does sound healthy. Gav's it is!
Will pick Carol's - love turkey. Dried Cherries in chili, why not?
Carol would be the one I would love to serve to my family. Cherries! Love them also.
Mmmm...they both look de-lish! but my vote goes to Gav!
I'm going to go with Chef Dad's chili. I like the fact that he used ground turkey instead of ground beef. And I think that the lighting in his photo makes his dish appear more appealing.
I always like to have my chili in a bowl...so I'm with Carol on this one.
I vote for Chef Dad's chili. And I can't wait to try those cherries.
I vote for Chef Dad. It looks great! Never thought of cherries in chili but it sounds like something to try
A faster cheaper trick for chili is to buy the taco spice packet and add instead of all the different spices, only add half or so because of high sodium..
Gav's chili looks the yummiest! The colours look more appealing, and I love the fact that he used dried cherries especially when fresh cherries are so expensive in the winter time.
I vote for Chef Dad!
I think Chef Dads chili looks better... my vote goes to him!
Chef Dad is my choice!
My favourite is Chef Dad's chili. It looks delicous!
I vote for Gav's chili. I looove chili, and it looks great!
My vote is for ChefDad, but it's so hard to judge food by looks alone, I want to smell and taste them!
Even tho' I'm a dad, I'm gonna give Carol's chili my vote. While Gav's looks more colourful, it looks more like a stir fry than chili. Gave gets the photography award.
I pick Carol.
I'd go with chef dad!
Chef Dad's looks really good!
I vote for Chef Dad
Chef Dad - looks yummy!
Chef Dad's looks really good. I will have to try both recipe.
I would definitely go for the Cherry Chili. In fact, I may just try the recipe this weekend. In our house, we are huge chili fans. The ingredients in Cherry Chili make my mouth water. It is incredibly easy to prepare and I am sure the end result would be loved by everyone. Thank you for sharing this great recipe and for the fabulous prize!
I vote for Gav -- well done. Mmmmmm makes me hungry. Thanks for the chance to win.
I think I would have to vote for Gav. The colors of his chili are so bright and look so fresh! Definitely both are making my tummy growl though!!!
Chili for sure!
I vote for Chef Dad. I will try this recipe.
I have to vote for Carol, her chili looks just like my moms....and even it's only half as good it would be fantastic!
This is a refresher course re: tart cherries. I did see packages of dried cherries but
never noticed if they were the TART variety. I'll check it out this weekend. Thanks.
We'll try Carol's recipe - take it over to a little Pot-Luck gathering with the girls.
I have to try this version. Carol's version. I love uncomplicated things.
I will try Chef Dad's dish with all my friends, looks very good.
Gav has my vote.
I vote for Gav's -- looks delicious!
I vote for Carol. It is hard to compete against a pro and she deserves great credit.
I vote for Chef Dad since he used ground beef.
They both looked great but I have to go with Carol!
I'm going with Gav. It looks much more tasty
Chef dad- I dont like cherries and even I was tempted with this recipe
I'm going for Chef dad, looks good
Chef dad, looks good,its colorful
and any dad who cooks in the kitchen and cooks up a great dish deserves a vote...
Chef Dad's looks fantastic! A dish I will certainly try (I just hope it turns out to be as good as his - fingers crossed). We really need to "shake up" our lunch and dinner menus. These ideas are great. Thanks for this article.
Carol's: cilantro with cherries!
Chef Dad wins based on appetizing appearance.
I'm going with Chef Dad - dish looks great to me.
Carol's. I love soupy chili.
If I have to choose, I choose Carol's! My reasoning - they called her the underdog and I love underdogs!
Both look great but I'd have to say Gav!
Both look wonderful, I will have to try the chili for sure
I choose Carols chili as it looks more meaty and real
I think Chef Dad's looks tastier but I make a great tasting chili & it looks more like Cheryl,s. Still my vote for Dad.
My vote is for Chef Dad. Looks way more appetizing
I decided to go with Chef Dad. Hats off to your great chili. It makes my mouth water.
I vote for Carol's chili since she used ground turkey and I also love to use it.
I choose Chef Dad's chili because it looks amazing!
I really like the idea of substituting the turkey as I've had vegetarian chili that was just as tasty, so I'm not convinced that the beef is needed.
I'm voting for Carol's.
I have to say I think my kids would much more likely want to eat Carol's chili as it is much more in line with the looks of what we'd normally have. that's a big part of what I cook because if it is too chunky, they just will leave out the chunks. So I would have to go with Carol's chili as it looks so much more familiar to my kids and I want them to eat it!!
I tried Carol's recipe without the tart cherries, couldn't find them. Added, regular dried cherries. It came out watery but it was very tasty. Nice recipe.
I was thinking of making some for the Holidays, less mashed potatoes more Cherry-Chili, yummy.
I kind of prefer turkey to red meat, because, I find turkey more versatile. Can use it in a variety of dishes, including turkey salad instead of chicken salad. Great idea Carol!
They both look really good, but if I have to choose it will be Chef Dad. His chili looks more appetizing.
The photo of Gav's chili was more appealing to me and as a working mom I appreciate that it is easy to put together. As for taste, I am going to have to give both of them a try before I make a final decision.
I vote for Chef Dad his dish looks more appetizing to me.
I agree, the visual for Chef Dad's chili is more attractive. The Chili recipes of both are equally challenging in their uniqueness, while still having all the core ingredients of a good chili. I think I might try out Chef Dad's chili with guests tonight.
I think I will vote for Chef Dad, but I find on a cold day, everyone loves chili whatever the recipe.
Gav's looks better, more colourful. I can't wait for next week.
I would have to pick Chef Dad Chili - the photo is fantastic.
I have to vote for Chef Dad, his chili looks amazing!
I vote for Carol's chili. Who would have thought to put cherry's in chili. Will have to try the recipe out. Love Chili!
My vote is for Chef Dad, I really enjoy the taste of ground beef in my chili, not really a fan of turkey. His picture looks alot more appetizing too!
Awesome job to both of you, never would have thought of adding dried cherries to a chilli.
I have to go with Chef Dad, his chili photo looks great.
Definitely Chef Dad!
I vote for Carol's dish =)
I would have to vote for Chef Dad. Looks so good.
Thank you for letting your readers know or remember Tart Dried Cherries. I am wondering wondering about chopping them up and include them in my next turkey stuffing instead of cranberries, will anyone notice?
A good friend of mine has already donated the turkey she grounded herself. The rest is left up to me and will follow the recipe. I'll probably mix in some ground beef, lol Thanks Gav.
Voting for Carol! :)
I really like the look of Chef Dad's chili. I never would have thought to add dried cherries to this dish.
Both look great!! my vote is with Carol
They both look great, & sound great so my decision as to whose was better rests solely on the quality of the photograph. So Gav also known as Chef Dad is the winner in my eyes.
I chose Gav's chili from the photograph because it just looks like it has fresher ingredients in it, though I give Carol top marks for the recipe which i can't wait to try!
I pick Carol's recipe. It's all about the salt content for me.
Gav's Chilli looks amazing. (could be the camerea)It looks so good, that I will try and make it in the next few week. As soon as I find out where to find Tart Cherries.
I can just imagine all the different taste and texture of this chilli. mmmmmm!!!
I would choose the chili looks interesting.
Turkey sounds great to me!
BOTH... but I'll for Carol's
I vote for Carol's even if Gav's looks a little more gourmet :)
I am voting for Carol simply because......
I vote for Gav.
Gotta go with Carol.
Hi, I'm going to go with Carol his time - thanks
I vote for Gav. The picture is great and the chile looks meaty.
rhondastruthers atyahoo dot ca
definately chef dad wins hands down...i think red meat is a better match
I gotta go with Gav's....it just looks so vibrant and colorful!
I am still with Carol.
Gav's chili looks amazing - definitely gets my vote!
I vote for Gav's. It looks amazing!
I don't know if it's my imagination, but, ground beef tastes different from turkey meat even if turkey blends well with cherries. I'll vote for Gav's.
Time after time, Carol's is still my fav!
I vote for Gav's looks wonderful
I am still going with Carol's.
Gav's chili looks more appetizing because of the bright colours.