The 2024 Grand Prize Winner Cheryl Oplinger prepares to present her classic Italian tiramisu during the 2024 Parkersburg News and Sentinel and Marietta Times Cookbook Contest Tasting Party. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — Dust off your aprons, it’s time for the Parkersburg News and Sentinel and The Marietta Times Cookbook Contest.

For the 71st year, participants will get to prove if they are a cook-of-all-trades.

From now through Sept. 19, community members are encouraged to turn in recipes in four different categories. Once all recipes are turned in, judges will select the finalists. If selected, the finalists will prepare their most cherished dishes for the judges to sample during the tasting party on Oct. 22. The location of the tasting party will be announced to finalists later on in the contest. Winners will be awarded and the grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card from Piggly Wiggly.

Appointment times will be set up with finalists, who will prepare their dish and presentation and take it all with them after it’s served.

For those who have a flair for flavor and dish displays, judges will also award the finalist with the best presentation of their food.

From left, Mrs. Joseph C. Snyder, Kiki Angelos and Christina Myer judge a crab rangoon dip during the 2024 Parkersburg News and Sentinel and Marietta Times Cookbook Contest Tasting Party. (File Photo)

With the submission of recipes this year, people are encouraged to share the dish that proves they are a cook-of-all-trades in the following categories:

* Food Truck Favorites (Appetizers) — submit an appetizer recipe inspired by your favorite food truck dishes.

* Family Heirlooms (Sides) — submit a recipe for a side dish that has been passed down through generations and always makes an appearance at your dining table.

* One-Pot Wonders (Main Dishes) — submit a one-pot/pan/casserole dish recipe that is simplistic and time-efficient.

* Baked Goods Battle (Desserts) — submit a recipe that can rival the best of the best baked goods.

Results for first, second and third place in each category will be published in the Oct. 23 editions of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel and The Marietta Times and the grand prize winner will be announced when the cookbook comes out on Nov. 19.

The following rules apply:

1. Each contestant may enter no more than 20 recipes, up to five recipes in each of the four categories. Make sure to note what category you are entering and count your entries before sending them in. If you send more than five recipes in any category, NONE of the recipes will be entered into the competition. If you send in a recipe for a category that is not present, it will not be entered. Please double-check your categories.

2. Recipes can be submitted through the Google form https://tinyurl.com/ysxrdpxv or by mailing to P.O. Box 1787, Parkersburg, WV 26101. Every entry must contain your name, address and telephone number. If we cannot contact you, you cannot win. For each submission, name the category in which the recipe is being entered and the name of the recipe.

3. Read your recipes through before sending, or even better, have someone else read them to make sure they are complete. Be sure to include pan size, temperature and length of cooking time. DO NOT say, “put in the oven and cook until done.” DO SAY, “put in a 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.” Only give brand names if necessary to the success of the dish, but do give package size. Remember, readers will be trying to duplicate your dishes at home, so make it a pleasant experience for them by making your recipes easy to read and directions easy to follow.

4. Recipes may also be emailed to gdowler@newsandsentinel.com. The same rules apply: One recipe per message, with the category, name of recipe and complete contact information (name, address, phone number) on each. The recipe MUST be in the body of the email, NO attachments.

5. Recipes must be email time-stamped no later than midnight Sept. 19. Late submissions will not be accepted.

6. If selected as a finalist, you must be available to attend the Tasting Party on Oct. 22 at the appointment time assigned. If you are unable to attend, an alternate will be chosen. Complete details will be provided to the finalists.

A selected amount of recipes will be published in the cookbook, sending your recipes DOES NOT guarantee it for publication.

Gretchen Dowler can be reached at gdowler@newsandsentinel.com.