FRANKENMUTH, MI -- (Marketwire) -- 12/07/12 -- The sweet and savory tastes of apple pies, breads, muffins, cobblers and more will take center stage on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at the Zehnder's Apple Recipe contest taking place at the annual Zehnder's Snowfest. Sponsored by Zehnder's, Pioneer Sugar, The Maytag Store, WSGW news radio 790 and Outdoor Adventures, the contest is open to all amateur bakers and cooks over the age of 18. Contest entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2012. Zehnder's Snowfest runs from January 23-28, 2013 in the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, just 90 miles north of Detroit.

Judges will pre-select a maximum of 15 semi-finalists in each of the four categories: Apple Pies; Apple Breads/Muffins; Apple Cobblers/Crisps and miscellaneous apple dishes. All recipes must include apples. Due to Michigan's apple crop issues this year, entrants may use Granny Smith or non-Michigan grown apples. All recipes must use Pioneer Sugar, a Pure Michigan product.

Finalists must be present during judging on January 23 and will be required to bring the prepared apple entry to the Zehnder's Snowfest Warming Tent. Judges will rate appearance, taste, and overall impression of the finished product. All recipes become property of Zehnder's and contest sponsors.

"This was a challenging year for Michigan apple growers," said Zehnder's CEO/Chairman Al Zehnder. "The recipe contest has always been a popular Snowfest activity and we believe bakers and cooks will continue to create great recipes even if they have to use non-Michigan apples. It's a great event to showcase the talents of amateur cooks and bakers."

Individuals interested in entering the contest can download a registration form at www.zehnders.com or call 800-863-7999. There is a five dollar registration fee per recipe; the registration fee will be refunded to all non-finalists.

First place prizes in each category include $200, 40 pounds of Pioneer Sugar, 40 pounds of Nightingale Pastry Flour, two tickets to a Zehnder's dinner show of choice, gift box of Bronner's ornaments, and a gift basket. Second prize winners in each category will receive $100, 20 pounds of Pioneer Sugar, 20 pounds of Nightingale Pastry Flour, dinner for four at Zehnder's and a gift basket. Third prize winners in all categories will win $50, 10 pounds of Pioneer Sugar, 10 pounds of Nightingale Pastry Flour, dinner for two at Zehnder's and a gift basket.

Zehnder's Snowfest will celebrate 22 years of bringing six days of snow-filled fun for more than 150,000 festival attendees. A great winter event for the entire family, the festival presents world class snow sculpture championships, State of Michigan and high school snow sculpting competitions, and the US National Collegiate Ice Carving Competition. Award-winning certified master sculptor Greg Butauski will be the highlight of the 100-pound block ice carving exhibition. Families can also enjoy live music, kid's activities, food and fireworks.

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.