Jumol Scott learned how to cook from one of the best — his grandfather, John Scott, who spent 45 years as a chef for Amtrak, even cooking one time for President Ronald Reagan.

Now Jumol Scott runs a catering business in Huntington, W.Va., as well as working as a private chef.

“I do the same thing he does,” Scott said.

This is the second year Scott entered the Board of Developmental Disabilities chili fest with a recipe that may sound unorthodox at first. His secret ingredient is chocolate.

“It counters the hot chili powder and the hotness,” he said.

Eric DePriest, a family advocate for the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center, also called upon a family recipe for his chili.

It was a combination of Italian seasonings “with grandma special blend, “ he said.

Coming up with it was the result of a series of experimentations.

“I’d add something and then taste it over and over,” DePriest said. “And I come to chili fest and get other people’s opinions. I cook for other people more than myself. I like the feedback.”

As the crowds willingly stood in line to sample the different fares, the chefs for the day all seemed to agree with Nathan Johnson with Freedom Baptist Church in Kitts Hill on why they were there.

“DD is a good cause.”