The California Raisin Marketing Board Launches Coast-to-Coast Raisin Recipe Contest

Crack those recipe boxes open, raisin lovers! A national search for America's favorite raisin recipes is officially underway. The Coast-to-Coast Raisin Recipe Contest begins May 1 and home chefs across the country are encouraged to submit their favorite raisin-studded recipes. (Each recipe must include at least two tablespoons of California raisins per serving.)

A panel of judges will evaluate the recipe entries based on taste, originality and visual appearance. Rounding out the panel is an esteemed Califorina chef.

As an incentive, the CRMB is offering a wide range of high stakes prizes, including a $10,000 cash prize, top-of-the-line cookware sets, and gift certificates galore from a leading culinary retailer. An added bonus: A special Jenny Thompson Healthy Raisin Recipe Award will recognize a particluarly healthy and delicious recipe. The winner will receive a $1,000 gift certificate to a leading sports retailer.

The contest kicks off May 1, 2005 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and submissions will be accepted through July 31, 2005 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Log onto www.calraisincontest.com to submit your winning recipe today!

Celebrate Mom with a Delicious - and Nutritous - Brunch Spread

With only one day a year dedicated to celebrating mothers, it's important to make an impact! After all, motherhood is a 365-day-a-year job. So, when the official day rolls around (don't forget, it's May 8 this year), it's time to pull out all the stops. Skip the standby box of chocolates and predictable bouquet of flowers, and put together a scrumptious brunch, featuring the natural goodness of California raisins. Show your mom, grandmother, stepmother or mother-in-law how much you appreciate her - and the countless feasts she has put on the table for you over the years - with a special meal prepared in her honor. She'll savor the day and remember the thought for years to come. The only drawback: She may expect the same royal treatment next year. Here are a few great raisin recipe ideas to get you started:

Raisin Filled Pastry Bars
Fiesta Brunch Strata
Apple Raisin Chutney-Filled Brie
Easy Oven-Baked French Toast with Raisin Syrup
Mom's Favorite Cake

Create a Memorable Memorial Day with Sweet and Savory Picnic Goods

Memorial Day kicks off summer and it's often the first opportunity you have to wow your friends and family with delectable picnic treats. Between reunions in the park, lakeside picnics and intimate pool parties among friends, potlucks and picnics in summer are never slim. The challenge: Coming up with a creative dish to please the palates.

Tangy and flavorful, California raisins are well suited for all styles of cooking. Incorporate them into tasty appetizers; toss them into summer soups; add them to roasted spring vegetables or sprinkle them atop your favorite side dish. Just a handful to your signature dish yields unexpected flavor, not to mention a powerful nutritional punch. Whether it's your turn to bring the appetizer, side, entree or dessert, California raisins are just the ticket to jazz up your summer potluck fare. Try these dishes at your next outdoor event:

Spring Vegetable Saute
CousCous Salad with California Raisins
Raisin Saffron Basmati Rice Pilaf

Main Course
Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Raisin Sambal
Sweet and Spicy Jerk Chicken
Raisin Country Barbeque Back Ribs

Dessert
Our Growers Favorite Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Raisin Nut Brownies