KitchenAid And Food Network Announce Winning KitchenAid Apple Challenge Recipe

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with Food Network, Food Network Magazine and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, KitchenAid today named Ricardo Heredia of San Diego as winner of the KitchenAid Apple Challenge, the brand's and Food Network's first-ever hashtag-based social media contest. Heredia's winning recipe for Apple Bacon Tacos was selected by Chef Zakarian from four semi-finalist recipes.

The KitchenAid Apple Challenge, which ran from August 17 through September 14, invited cooks to create an original recipe using an apple as a primary ingredient, and share a photo and description of their recipe using #KitchenAidContest. Over 900 participants submitted their original recipes in hopes of winning the ultimate prize package for those who love to cook: a private cooking lesson with Chef Zakarian, a new suite of black stainless appliances from KitchenAid and the opportunity to have their winning recipe appear in the December issue of Food Network Magazine.

"We are truly impressed by the number and quality of submissions we received for this exciting contest," said Beth Robinson, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. "The challenge was a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with accomplished home cooks, and for them to share their inspirational and innovative recipes."

On October 20, the four semi-finalists recreated their original recipes in a cook-off judged by Chef Zakarian in New York. Semi-finalists were judged based on their recipe's overall creativity, taste, completeness and inventive use of the key ingredient. The four semi-finalist recipes included Hibiscus Poached Apples atop Pistachio Clouds by Sandy Yagu; Savory Stuffed Apples with Sausage, Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese by Emily Lum; Savory Apple Galette with Pancetta and Brussel Sprout Leaves by MacKenzie Severson; and the winning recipe, Apple Bacon Tacos by Ricardo Heredia.

"All of the finalists were successful in creating original and innovative recipes," said Chef Zakarian. "But Mr. Heredia did an exceptional job of showcasing the distinct flavors of the apple in a delicious and inventive dish."

The recipe for Apple Bacon Tacos will be published in Food Network Magazine's December issue, on newsstands nationwide on November 24, and all finalist recipes are available on the KitchenAid blog, The Kitchenthusiast™ and FoodNetwork.com/AppleChallenge.

KITCHENAID
Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. Today, the KitchenAid brand offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. Cook for the Cure^®, the brand's partnership with Susan G. Komen^®, is now in its 14^th year and has raised over $10 million to help find a cure for breast cancer. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand*, visit KitchenAid.com or join us at Facebook.com/KitchenAid and Twitter.com/KitchenAidUSA.

* Based on a 2014 survey, KitchenAid was found to be the home kitchen appliance brand chosen most often by members of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. 

FOOD NETWORK
(www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers' best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and up to 35 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine's rate base has grown 13 times and is now the third largest monthly magazine on the newsstand, with over 12.4 million readers. Headquartered in New York, Food Network has a growing international presence with programming in more than 150 countries, including 24-hour networks in the United Kingdom, Asia, and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also owns and operates Cooking Channel (www.cookingchanneltv.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com) and Great American Country (www.gactv.com), is the manager and general partner.

FOOD NETWORK MAGAZINE
Food Network Magazine is the best-selling epicurean title on newsstands, appealing to food lovers of all ages and culinary abilities, offering accessible recipes and tips, and unprecedented access to America's favorite culinary stars. Every issue showcases great kitchen tools, food products, new restaurants and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the network's most popular shows. Food Network Magazine is a joint venture of Food Network (www.foodnetwork.com), a unique lifestyle network distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households, and Hearst Magazines. Hearst Magazines is a unit of Hearst Corporation, one of the nation's largest diversified media and information companies. With 21 titles in the U.S., Hearst is the leading publisher of monthly magazines in terms of total paid circulation (AAM 2H 2014), reaching 78 million readers (Spring 2015 MRI gfk) and 54 million site visitors each month (comScore).

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SOURCE KitchenAid

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