Calling All Foodies -- You're "Gourd" to Love This Contest; Zehnder's Restaurant 4th Annual Squashtoberfest Entries Due September 21

FRANKENMUTH, MI--(Marketwire - Sep 17, 2012) - There's still time to transform your favorite gourd in to a savory main dish, soup or sweet treat recipe. The Zehnder's of Frankenmuth Squashtoberfest Soup, Sweet and Savory contest is for home cooks and aspiring amateur chefs. The final competition will take place at Zehnder's Restaurant on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, when finalists will be required to cook up their recipes on-site for contest judges. 

All gourds are eligible from summer varieties with thin skins and edible seeds like zucchini and yellow crookneck squash, to winter squash varieties with hard skins and hard shell seeds. Included in the winter category is butternut, hubbard, buttercup, spaghetti, patty pan, to name just a few. Enter in one or all three categories: Savory Main Dishes; The Great Soup Challenge; and Sweet Surprises.

Ten entrées will be selected to compete at Zehnder's on October 23. A panel of judges selected by Zehnder's will pre-judge the written recipe entries to determine the ten finalists in each category. Pumpkin or squash must be the primary flavor ingredient in all recipes. Additionally, each recipe must include Pioneer Brand Sugar, a made-in-Michigan sponsor of the contest. Sugar can be white, brown or a combination of sugars.

First place prizes in each category include $200, 40 pounds of Pioneer Sugar, and four tickets to Zehnder's Christmas Dinner (a value of $180). Second prize winners in each category will receive $100, 20 pounds of Pioneer Sugar and dinner for four at Zehnder's. Third prize winners in all categories will win a $50 Zehnder's gift card, 10 pounds of Pioneer Sugar and dinner for two at Zehnder's.

Entries must be postmarked by September 21. Download the entry form and additional contest information at: http://www.zehnders.com/images/flyers/Squashtoberfest.pdf, or call Zehnder's at 800-863-7999. The Squashtoberfest is sponsored by Pioneer Sugar and WSGW/740.

Frankenmuth is considered one of Michigan's top tourism destinations with its Bavarian theme and deep-rooted German heritage that is reflected in Main Street shops and restaurants. For information on Zehnder's Restaurant, Z's Bakery, and Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark and The Fortress golf course, call 800-863-7999, or go to www.zehnders.com.