Sharpsburg Community Library’s Robert “Snakeguy” Habegger Chili Cook-off has a new champ.
Ben Maffei of Shaler and his sweet and spicy smoked brisket barbeque chili delighted the taste buds of about 30 taste testers and three judges at the food-themed fundraiser on Feb. 22.
The competition took place at the borough building inside council chambers.
Maffei bested eight other competitors, including last year’s winner, with his mix of meats, beans, spices and a side of cornbread.
It was the first time a contestant took home the Tasters’ Choice and first place award in the annual contest that started in 2018.
The event was renamed last year in memory of Habegger, an impassioned volunteer known for his homemade pepper spices, trained snakes and cheerful attitude.
Habegger’s sister, Lisa Strauss, was one of the judges this year.
This was Maffei’s first time competing in Sharpsburg.
“I’m happy about it,” said Maffei. “I was hopeful. I try to put out the best chili that I can. It’s good and flavorful. I love to barbeque. I have a big smoker at home that I’m always smoking meats on. One time, probably about 20 years ago, I put (the chili) together and I’ve been making it ever since.”
He edged out last year’s champ, Sheila Skrinjar of Pittsburgh’s Morningside neighborhood, who brought her signature Big Daddy Chili that has a lot of local ingredients, including Iron City beer and meats from Frankie’s Sausage in Sharpsburg.
Skrinjar was offered a seat at the judges’ table, but declined, stating she wanted to be in the friendly competition. She took home second place.
Michelle Wessel of North Hills had by far the spiciest chili in the contest. Her ground meat mix had Adobo sauce, black and white pepper, onion and garlic and chili powder, among other ingredients.
Wessel earned third place. She was a little reluctant to take her place on the stage.
Judge Juliah “Julzz” Gibson, a previous cook-off winner, encouraged the runner up to not be shy.
“Your chili wasn’t shy,” Gibson said to Wessel.
Winners were given gift cards and certificates.
Other competitors included Myriam Stricker of O’Hara and her four-bean chilli.
Melanie Linn Gutowski of Sharpsburg made her locally harvested venison chili. Richard Magnelli of Sharpsburg entered his vegan chili, which used some Snakeguy spices.
The event is one of the largest fundraisers for the library. It raised around $1,700, including a boost from a new sponsor.
Branch manager Sara Mariacher served as the emcee.
“It’s always exciting to see the community come out and support the library with great food and great community,” Mariacher said after the event. “There were a lot of interesting chili styles this year compared to previous years. There were a lot of new flavors that I had not experienced before. I am excited to see what the community comes up with next year.”
At least 60 people participated in last year’s cook-off, which was the first since its pandemic hiatus. They included 10 competitors and 25 registered taste testers.