Party food recipe contest

The good folks at Marx Foods are getting into the spirit of holiday gatherings by sponsoring a contest that seeks the best party food recipe.

"We are hungry for the holidays and looking for the best party foods and ideas! Tell us a story, give us party food ideas, presentation tips or original recipes," says the MarxFood.com blog.

"What are your favorite party foods, festive appetizers and holiday bites? What do you do to make your party fun? Do you set up your spread under the mistletoe; pair your bites with champagne, or use candy canes as cocktail stir sticks?"

Marx Foods, a mail order that sells upscale food in bulk, sponsors a variety of recipe contests throughout the year, the most recent one for the best comfort food recipe.

The deadline to submit a recipe is Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. EST. The MarxFood.com bloggers -- Emily, Katy, Justin and Ryan -- will select the finalists and put them to a vote of readers between Dec. 17 and 21.

The winner, who will receive a $400 MarxFoods.com gift certificate, will be announced on Monday, Dec. 22. Two runners-up will each receive a $50 gift certificate.

I'm thinking my entry will be my Easy Spinach and Artichoke Dip.