A Look Back at Our Annual Thanksgiving Pie Event

There’s nothing we love more than kicking off the holiday season by reconnecting with the people who make our work meaningful - you! Last month, we hosted our Annual Thanksgiving Pie Event, and it was a wonderful afternoon seeing so many of you.

Not only did we get to hand out pies and catch up with so many familiar faces, but together we made a real impact in our community. Thanks to your generosity, we collected 21 large bags of coats, scarves, and gloves for Martha’s Table. Your donations will help keep local families warm this winter, and we’re incredibly grateful for your support.

Of course, no pie event is complete without our annual Chili Cook-Off, and this year’s competition did not disappoint! Congratulations to Jen and Sean, who took home the 2025 title with their winning chili. They’ve even shared their recipe below so you can recreate the fan favorite at home!

We’re so thankful for this community and for every one of you who showed up, donated, laughed, tasted chili, and helped make this event such a warm and memorable tradition.

View event photos here.

Thank you again for being part of our extended Pearlman Meekin & Co. family. We can’t wait to see you at our next event!

Jen and Sean's Winning Chili Recipe (AKA The Best Chili Recipe):

Ingredients

6 strips uncooked bacon chopped
2 large yellow onion diced
1 red bell pepper diced
4 cloves garlic minced
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
2 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon ancho chili powder
1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoons ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup beer
15 oz can dark red kidney beans lightly rinsed and drained (425g)
15 oz can black beans lightly rinsed and drained (425)
One 24-ounce can crushed tomatoes
One 24-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Preferred toppings particularly sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn chips.

Instructions

1. Place chopped (uncooked) bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven and cook over
   medium heat until crisp and cooked through. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined
   plate and drain all but 1 ½ Tablespoons of grease.
2. Add onion and pepper and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add beef, breaking apart with a spatula as you cook. Once meat is partially (about
   50%) browned, add pork.
5. Once meat is cooked add sugar and all spices (chili powders, paprika, cumin, onion
   powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper) and stir well.
6. Add all remaining ingredients — beer, beans, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce
   — and your cooked bacon and stir well.
7. Bring to a boil and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
8. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 30 minutes
   to allow flavor to really develop.
9. Serve with preferred toppings