It's as American as apple pie -- that concotion of beans and hot peppers best known as Chili.  But when the faculty held a chili "throwdown" last week, it was the Classics professor, Dr. Shamey, who took first prize for this all-American dish.

There was no mistaking the sumptuous smells wafting from the faculty lounge as six teachers

 put their recipes to the test, from mild turkey to 

house on fire hot.  The faculty, who graded the food as though it were a final essay, awarded first place honors to Dr. Shamey, a native of Pittsburgh, whose "Burgh style chili " had just the right flavor and "bite."

Click for the recipe for Burg Style Chili

"The secret is that I had eight jalapeños with seeds still in it," said Dr. Shamey.

"The italian style tomato paste mutes that heat a little and adds to the taste. But what really enriches the flavor is the combo of the two meats, beef and hot sausage."

According to the faculty who voted, a "classics" dish never tasted so good.