“The Woodruff Times Recipe Challenge: Year of Flavor”
🎯 Overview
Each month, we challenge readers to submit recipes based on a seasonal ingredient, holiday, or theme. Winning recipes will be published in the paper and on our website, and finalists will be considered for The Woodruff Times Community Cookbook, with proceeds going to a local charity or food pantry. All entries will be considered, with a goal of reaching at least 150 recipes in the final cookbook.
We encourage entrants to include a photo of their dish along with their recipe and story or memory, if possible.
🗓️ Monthly Themes
Each month, introduce a new theme or key ingredient tied to holidays or what’s in season:
| Month | Theme/Ingredient | Sample Challenge Title |
|---|---|---|
| May | Garden Veggies or Mother’s Favorites | “Make Mama Proud – Garden to Table” |
| June | Poultry (Best Bird) | “Rule the Roost: Chicken Challenge” |
| July | BBQ, Chili, and Picnic Favorites | “Stars, Stripes & Sizzle” |
| August | No-Bake or School Lunch Ideas | “Beat the Heat Bites” |
| September | Apples or Tailgate Food | “Game Day Greats” |
| October | Fall Soups, Pumpkins, or Spooky Treats | “Harvest Hype: Fall Flavors & Frights” |
| November | Thanksgiving Leftovers | “Leftover Legends” |
| December | Cookies or Holiday Classics | “Cookie Countdown” |
| January | Comfort Foods | “Cozy Up: Best Winter Warmers” |
| February | Chocolate or Romantic Dishes | “Sweetheart Supper Showdown” |
| March | Irish-Inspired or Green Ingredients | “Luck of the Local Cook-Off” |
| April | Easter, Brunch or Eggs | “Egg-cellent Eats” |
🏆 Contest Rules
- Submit your original or adapted recipe (limit 300 words).
- Include a brief story or memory behind the dish (optional but encouraged).
- Include a photo of your dish if possible.
- Submit to: The Woodruff Times (online form).
- Each month has 1 winner and 2 runners-up.
- Monthly winners receive:
- 🥇 Gift card or local sponsor prize
- 🥈 & 🥉kitchen gear or featured mention.
🧑🍳 Bonus Entry Categories
- Kids Cook Too! A special summer category for young chefs (ages 8–16).
- Reader’s Choice Award: Let the community vote on social media for their favorite from 3 finalists each month.
- Local Chef Guest Judge (e.g., from a Woodruff restaurant) each month.
- Bonus Entry Categories:
- Allergy Friendly
- Pet Food/Treats
- Best Potluck or Family Reunion Dish
- Slow Cooker / Air Fryer Recipes
- Best International Dish
📖 The Finale: Community Cookbook
At the end of the year:
- Compile winning recipes and touching stories into “The Woodruff Times: A Year of Local Flavor” Cookbook.
- Feature photos of contributors, notes from local chefs, and community highlights.
- Proceeds go to a selected nonprofit or food pantry in Woodruff.
Author: Tracy Sanders
