Spreading a family tradition of food

As a family-run company that has passed down time-honored recipes for the past four generations, the makers of Smucker’s jams, jellies and preserves would like to help other families across the country keep their traditions and family-favorite recipes alive and encourage them to build new memories.

Families are invited to enter the “Spreading Smucker’s Traditions” contest and share their family recipes and memories between June 16 and August 11, 2008 for a chance to win a five day, four-night family trip for eight to the Walt Disney World Resort. (No word on whether you actually have to take your family with you on the trip: It just says 8 people...)

To enter, share a family original recipe that incorporates at least ¼ cup of Smucker’s jams, jellies, preserves or fruit butter and the story behind how their recipe makes family celebrations special.

The recipe must have been passed down for at least two generations.

The top recipes will be posted on or about Sept. 8, 2008. Site visitors will be given the chance to vote to help determine one grand prize winner. Each of the contest finalists featured in the online vote will receive a Gift Basket of Smucker’s brand products.

“The J.M. Smucker Company is thrilled to be invited to family gatherings through the long-established family recipes that people pass down for generations,” said Maribeth Badertscher, Director, Corporate Communications. “We are eager to hear from families about the traditions and memories they share and help them make their next family gathering a success.”

“The act of families gathering together to cook and share traditions meets people’s basic needs, for nourishment and connection," said Miriam Weinstein, author of “The Surprising Power of Family Meals.” “Mealtime traditions and holiday rituals link us with our extended family, our ethnic group, our religion and our heritage. They help us to remember what is important.”

The grand prize family package for eight includes airfare, transportation to/from the airport, hotel accommodations for four nights, five-day Magic Your Way Tickets and commemorative Disney T-shirts and photos.

Go online to get full details and complete official rules, to enter and to learn more about planning a memorable family gathering.

Visitors to the site can find family reunion planning tips, a free downloadable family tree and Smucker’s jams, jellies and preserves recipes that will help them create the perfect meal from appetizers to entrées to desserts, every time, with a diverse range of jam, jelly and preserve flavors well-suited for any taste or occasion.