By Gretchen Dowler
For The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Parkersburg –– As autumn approaches, so does the annual tradition of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel and Marietta Times holiday cookbook.
The 72nd cookbook contest is calling cooks to explore the flavors of fall and the holidays with the theme Fall Foodies.
Participants have from now until Oct. 2 to submit recipes in three categories: appetizers/sides, main dishes and desserts. After all recipes have been submitted, judges will select the finalists. The finalists will have the chance to show off their culinary skills for the judges at the tasting party on Oct. 21. The tasting party will once again take place at the Artsbridge office, 350 Seventh St., Parkersburg. There will be individual winners in each category, as well as an overall presentation winner and an overall grand prize winner.
Finalists will be contacted for appointed times to arrive at the tasting party, where they will present their dish to judges and then be dismissed once it has been served.
Results for first, second and third place in each category will be published in the Oct. 22 editions of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel and The Marietta Times, and the grand prize winner will be announced when the cookbook comes out on Nov. 18.
The following rules apply:
1. Each contestant may enter no more than 15 recipes, up to five recipes in each of the three categories. Make sure to note which category you are entering and count your entries before sending them in. If you send more than five recipes in any category, NONE of the recipes will be entered into the competition. If you send in a recipe for a category that is not present, it will not be entered. Please double-check your categories.
2. Recipes can be submitted through the Google form https://tinyurl.com/ysxrdpxv or by mailing to P.O. Box 1787, Parkersburg, WV 26101. Every entry must contain your name, address and telephone number. If we cannot contact you, you cannot win. For each submission, name the category in which the recipe is being entered and the name of the recipe.
3. Read your recipes through before sending, or even better, have someone else read them to make sure they are complete. Be sure to include pan size, temperature and length of cooking time. DO NOT say, “put in the oven and cook until done.” DO SAY, “put in a 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.” Only give brand names if necessary to the success of the dish, but do give package size. Remember, readers will be trying to duplicate your dishes at home, so make it a pleasant experience for them by making your recipes easy to read and directions easy to follow.
4. Recipes may also be emailed to [email protected]. The same rules apply: One recipe per message, with the category, name of recipe and complete contact information (name, address, phone number) on each. The recipe MUST be in the body of the email, NO attachments.
5. Recipes must be email time-stamped no later than midnight Oct. 2. Late submissions will not be accepted.
6. If selected as a finalist, you must be available to attend the Tasting Party on Oct. 21 at the appointment time assigned. If you are unable to attend, an alternate will be chosen. Complete details will be provided to the finalists.
A selected number of recipes will be published in the cookbook; sending your recipes DOES NOT guarantee publication.
Read more from The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, here.
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