As we prepare to shiver our way through another Michigan autumn a reminder of what’s south of the border is more than welcome.

On Sunday Nov. 20 that will be possible – at least in a culinary sense – with the .

The annual contest, presented by the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA), will be held at Ste. Anne’s de Detroit Catholic Church located at 1000 Sainte Anne St., from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 20.

This celebration of the traditional Mexican dish – mole sauce – fits in well with the diverse nature of metro Detroit and its many global influences.

In case you’re worried they will all taste the same, all mole sauces are not alike. The styles vary quite a bit. Flavors can vary based upon the ingredients, which reflect a mix of Mexican and European cultures.

The event celebrates the cooking talents of 15 pre-registered competitors who will each prepare their own rendition of homemade mole sauce, a hallmark of Mexican cooking and the country’s national dish.

“Last year’s Holy Mole! event was a tremendous success,” says SDBA President Kathy Wendler. “We had a standing-room-only audience that not only enjoyed the competition, but also appreciated the opportunity to purchase a variety of homemade foods and traditional products from local Latina entrepreneurs. This year, we anticipate more people joining us for this wonderful spotlight on Southwest Detroit’s Mexican culture and community.”

It is fitting this contest happens this close to the holiday season. Mole sauce is usually made for special occasions or festivities. That’s hardly surprising. It takes several hours to turn the (on average) 28 ingredients into the sauce that is often served with meat and is the centerpiece of a meal.

Holy Mole! Mexican Mole Contest competitors will have the chance to win a $500 cash prize for the first place winner; a $250 gift certificate to E&L Supermercado for the second place winner, and a $150 gift certificate to Honey Bee Market – La Colmena for the third place winner.

They will be judged on complexity of the recipe, overall flavor and texture and can receive up to five points in each category.

“We are very pleased to have last year’s judges join us once again for the competition,” says Martina Guzman Holy Mole! event coordinator. “They include chef and proprietor of El Barzon Restaurant Norberto Garrita, Mexican historian and community activist Maria Elena Rodriguez, and chef and proprietor of El Asador Restaurant Luis Garza. In addition to our judges, we also would like to thank our many sponsors, volunteers and participants who make this event possible.”

The Holy Mole! Mexican Mole Contest is presented by the SDBA. Event sponsors are E&L Supermercado, Honey Bee Market – La Colmena, Eastern Market and the Ideal Group.

For more information, contact Christina Guzman at (313) 268-2325 or Gabriela Bonifacio at (313) 463-1331.

  E&L Supermercado, El Barzon Restaurant, Holy Mole! Mexican Mole Contest, Honey Bee market, Kathy Wendler, La ColmenaEl Asador, Luis Garza, Maria Elana Rodriguez, Norberto Garrita, Saint Anne, Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA), St. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church