CHILI LOVERS FROM all over Maryland will gather Saturday at Oregon Ridge to judge their favorite food. The Maryland State Chili Competition, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is sponsored by the Mason Dixon Chili Pod.

Procceeds will go to benefit the Baltimore Ronald McDonald house. Admission for adults is $3, senior citizens $2 and children under 12 get in free. The public can taste the competing chilis for 25 cents a cup.

For more information call 557-8549.

Here is last year's winning recipe from Tanya Galat. It is made in three separate steps.

Yahoo Chili

STEP ONE:

2 1/4 pounds beef chuck/mock tender or round steak, cut in 1/2 -inch cubes

1 teaspoon shortening

1 can 8-ounces no-salt added tomato sauce

1 can 14 1/2 -ounce beef broth

2 tablespoons Texas-style chili powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

2 teaspoons beef-flavored base or instant bouilon

1 teaspoon chicken-flavored base or instant bouillion

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon chili powder

In a five-quart Dutch oven, brown beef in shortening. Do not drain. Add tomato sauce, bee broth and 2 1/2 cups water. (You may need to add additional water if chili gets too thick.) Combine seasonings above and add to beef mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 1 3/4 hours.

STEP TWO:

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons garlic powder

3 tablespoons Texas-style chili powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine spices and add to chili. Simmer 30 minutes.

STEP THREE:

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Combine spices and add to chili. Simmer 15 minutes and serve. Serves six.