'Tis The Season To Create With Martha White®

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- There's nothing like creative time spent in the kitchen—the experimenting, the tasting, the aroma and the family memories. Creating in the kitchen is especially rewarding during the holidays, whether for a family breakfast, dinner, or party. The Martha White® Holiday Muffin Mix Challenge^™ is the opportunity for bakers to celebrate the holidays early and show off their baking creativity.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130904/CL73480)
(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130724/CL52730LOGO-b)

Today and continuing through Sept. 12, 2013, enter your original recipe suitable for entertaining and using at least one pouch of Martha White Muffin Mix in the following new categories:

Crowd Pleasers
Desserts to wow six or more family and friends at a holiday brunch, dinner or significant holiday celebration. Examples: Cakes, tarts, pies, cobblers, cookies, pastries, tortes, rolls, crepes, cheesecakes or trifles.

Simply 6 
Simple recipes requiring only six ingredients or fewer to create holiday cheer and ease holiday baking pressures. Examples: Cookies, cakes, muffins, bars, scones, breads, waffles, pancakes, parfaits, or sweet or savory appetizers. 

"I'm very eager to see how bakers will be inspired by this year's new categories," said Linda Carman, Martha White Baking Expert. "The holidays are definitely a time when bakers love to shine, which is perfect for our Crowd Pleasers category. Equally, it's one of the busiest times of the year when simple recipes are essential. Our muffin mixes are versatile and the perfect companion for any holiday occasion."

Contest winners will be announced in November, just in time for the holiday season. One Grand Prize Winner, two Category Winners and four Runner-Up Winners will be awarded. Category Winners will receive $1,000. The Grand Prize Winner will be awarded $5,000 plus an additional $1,000 as winner of its category. Runner-Up Winners will be awarded Martha White Muffin Mix gift baskets.

The top three recipes in each category will be posted online at www.marthawhite.com for a national online vote between Oct. 14, 2013, and Nov. 12, 2013. For complete details, the Official Rules and entry information, visit www.marthawhite.com. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 18 or older. Void where prohibited.

To view past winners and for additional Martha White recipes, visit www.marthawhite.com and click on "recipes" and "cook's corner." Join the Martha White community at www.Facebook.com/MarthaWhiteBaking.

Chocolate Chip Toffee Muffins with Caramel Topping

Muffins 
Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray 
2 (7.4 oz.) packages Martha White® Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix 
1 cup milk 
1/2 cup milk chocolate toffee bits
1/3 cup chopped pecans

Topping
1/4 cup Smucker's® Hot Caramel Flavored Topping
2 tablespoons chopped pecans

Preparation Directions

1. HEAT oven to 425º F. Lightly spray 12 medium muffin cups with no-stick cooking spray or line with paper baking cups.
2. STIR together muffin mix and milk in medium bowl just until blended. Fold in toffee bits and 1/3 cup pecans. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
3. BAKE 14 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 2 to 3 minutes in pan. Remove from pan. Combine caramel topping and 2 tablespoons pecans in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 10 seconds or until warm. Drizzle over muffins.

SOURCE Martha White