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Walnuts are a star ingredient this time of year and the Holiday Baking Challenge is looking for unique homemade recipes that incorporate walnuts in inventive ways to celebrate the season. Whether it's a time treasured family favorite or a unique baked recipe that's perfect for holiday gift giving, this contest celebrates tradition and innovation in holiday baking.
Contestants looking for inspiration can turn to renowned pastry chef Emily Lucchetti. Emily knows a thing or two about baking and will provide some tips and video demonstrations on how to make the perfect holiday treat with walnuts!
Recipes can be entered into one of four food categories with an option of entering the recipe in two additional categories - video and SMART. The video (to be posted on YouTube) is a great way for contestants to present their recipe in a number of ways, such as sharing holiday anecdotes or demonstrating their baking techniques! The SMART category is for recipes that are made over to be less indulgent but still delicious versions of classic, favorite treats. Our Smart Eating Style page has an outline of how to make recipes smarter for those who would like to enter this category.
The four food categories are as followed:
- Cookies, Brownies and Blondies: perfectly portioned treats from the oven can double as delicious gifts for friends and neighbors
- Cakes and Pies: classic baked desserts that delight a crowd, these recipes are well suited for holiday entertaining
- Breads: walnuts sparkle in quick breads and yeast breads...also in muffins, rolls, loaves...
- Breakfast / Brunch Baked Items: start the day with cinnamon rolls or coffee cake, but walnuts also add crunch to savory strata or quiche
This is an online entry-only contest running through December 4, 2009. The contest will culminate and the winners will be announced on December 18, 2009. For further details and to enter, please visit walnuts.org.
The California walnut industry is made up of over 4,000 growers and 62 handlers. The growers and handlers are represented by two entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC).
California Walnut Board
The Walnut Marketing Board was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. In April 2008, the Walnut Marketing Board became the California Walnut Board to provide origin designation to the product it represents. The Board is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The Board promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The Board also provides funding for walnut production and post-harvest research.
California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) prohibit discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the CWB / CWC offices at (916) 922-5888. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). WMB/CWC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Please note that our offices have moved:
The California Walnut Board and Commission offices are located at 101 Parkshore Dr., Ste. #250, Folsom, CA 9563
SOURCE California Walnut Board