Cosmic Crisp brand apples has announced the launch of its third Culinary Challenge, partnering with renown baker and author Erin McDowell as the master judge. From October 1-31, culinary enthusiasts can submit their recipes featuring the apple as a star ingredient, on the Cosmic Crisp website.

Participants have the chance to win in one of three categories: Snacking, Baking and Entertaining. Each grand prize, valued at over $900, includes a selection of premium kitchen essentials hand-picked by Erin McDowell, two signed copies of her cookbooks and an exclusive online meet-and-greet. Winners will also receive Cosmic Crisp apples and branded merchandise, as well as having their recipes showcased across the brand’s social media platforms and website. Additionally, five fans can win prizes valued at $150 without submitting a recipe.

Erin McDowell has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Food Network, Bon Appétit, Food52, and more. Her debut cookbook, The Fearless Baker, was named one of the New York Times' Best Baking Books of the Year. Her second book, The Book on Pie, became a New York Times Bestseller, while her latest, Savory Baking, explores the world of savory treats for all occasions.

McDowell also hosted the award-winning series Bake it Up a Notch, and has recently launched a new series called Happy Baking where she shares deep-dives into baking methods and troubleshooting common mistakes. An upcoming Happy Baking episode will feature Cosmic Crisp as she teaches viewers how to cook the perfect apple pie.

“As a longtime fan of baking with the Cosmic Crisp, this is a natural partnership,” McDowell says. “I can’t wait to see how everyone incorporates their love for these apples into the challenge!”

“October is National Apple Month and the start of fall baking season, making it the perfect time for the Cosmic Crisp Culinary Challenge. And it’s a special treat to partner with Erin, whose passion and creativity is the epitome of what this promotion is all about,” says Kathryn Grandy, chief marketing officer for Proprietary Variety Management, who leads Cosmic Crisp marketing efforts.