It was another great year for people who like their food hot, spoonable and in a bowl.

The Second Annual Chili & Chowder Cook Off named the best chili and chowder selections in the area on Sunday. Over 500 hungry participants nominated their pick for People’s Choice after sampling from 16 professional restaurants and 21 amateurs.

The Yankee Chef won the public’s vote for their chowder, which Amherst Patch agrees was very, very tasty.

Here are the judge’s results for best chili/chowder:

Professional Division

Chili – The Barn at Hitchiner Manufacturing

Chowder – Yankee Chef

Amateur Division

Chili – Chris Tynan (Honorable Mention – John Klem)

Chowder – Bill Cunningham and Debra LaPress

The chili judges this year were Scott Franz, The Chef’s Plate; Tony Balsama, Favorite Foods; Rocky Morelli and Opportunity Networks. Chowder judges included Susan Laughlin, Creative and Food Editor, NH Magazine; Jennifer Franz, GoodEatsNH.com, Cathy Duchesne and Kids Culinary Arts.

The Bare Bones Band set the scene for tasting with their music this year.

See who won last year’s competition for best chili/chowder in the area.