STEUBENVILLE - Can you believe it? This will be the 42nd year for the Holiday Cookbook published by the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times. The annual tradition has celebrated the holidays - Thanksgiving and Christmas, with New Year's thrown into the mix, with fabulous recipe.
In 1980, in an early copy of the cookbook, Lenora Sader of Smithfield was the grand prize winner with a recipe for Polenta with Zucchini. In 1982, Natalie Doty of Wintersville was the top prize winner with Nutty Mushroom Broccoli. She still contributes and has been a finalist and winner many times since.
Recipes have varied from Deer Meatballs in Sweet and Sour Sauce, to Jewish Cookies, to Burnt Almond Torte to Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Loaf. And we know there are even more wonderful recipes out there.
The contest is back this year and we are expecting taste-tempting recipes again from our cooks. Look for the entry form that is published in both papers, copy your favorite recipes and zip them off by e-mail or mail to: Holiday Cookbook, 401 Herald-Square, Steubenville, OH 43952. An entry form appears on Page 7E in today's editions.
Categories include appetizers and breads, cakes and pies, holiday cookies and candy, main dishes and casseroles and side dishes and salads. The entry deadline is Oct. 26. The recipes will go into the hands of one of five category judges, and the top 10 finalists will be chosen, notified and asked to bring the finished product to the St. Florian Hall for judging.
The taste-off will be Nov. 8. Category winners will receive a $35 gift certificate for first place, and $25 for second place.The lucky grand prize winner will be awarded $300, and the first runner-up will receive $125.
Cindy Hout of Wintersville received the grand prize in 2011 with her Pear Almond Tart, a pastry that was rich in almonds, apricot preserves and butter. She will serve as one of the judges for the contest this year. This is a tradition that started shortly after the contest began, an honor bestowed on the top prize winner.
Start sending in your favorite recipes now. They could bring in some cash, a gift card or a door prize at the taste-off. The audience is invited to sample the wonderful food after the awards ceremony, and recipes are sure to be discussed with other cooks.
