KitchenAid and Food Network Announce Winning KitchenAid Apple Challenge Recipe

In partnership with Food Network, Food Network Magazine and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, KitchenAid has 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 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 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 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 Brussels 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 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.