Troy, N.C. — Capel Rugs has selected the winner of its centennial cookbook contest, Ann Hiatt, rug department manager of Salem Creek in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The contest, part of Capel Rugs’ year-long 100th anniversary celebration, invited the company’s 5,000-plus customers to submit treasured recipes that have been favorites of their own families for generations. Along with the recipes, contest participants shared the stories behind their dishes — the history and experiences that make them so special.

Hiatt’s winning recipe — “The World’s Best Cookie,” which combines pecans and raisins — was passed along by her father. He typed it up for Hiatt in 1985, at which point it was already 75 years old. “It was his grandmother’s — or my great grandmother’s,” said Hiatt. “He was a wonderful cook/baker and our home growing up always had a tin of these cookies in the kitchen.”

“This cookie recipe is not only delicious, it’s also more than 100 years old,” said Vickie Carder, Capel Rugs’ sales representative for North Carolina. “It’s a perfect match for celebrating Capel’s own 100th anniversary year.”

Known for an eclectic mix of home décor, women’s accessories and gourmet items, Salem Creek has been doing business with Capel Rugs for more than 25 years. Last year, the retailer enhanced its presence in the rug category by creating a dedicated rug gallery on the second floor of its store.

Hiatt received a $100 prize for winning the Capel cookbook contest. Her recipe will be posted for all to enjoy at www.capelrugs.com.

Other contest submissions also were filled with touching stories about family and friends. A submission for a “Wild Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwich” recalled a childhood memory of receiving a PB&J sandwich from a friend’s mom before heading out to spend summer mornings on a lake. “Now, at 52 years old, I tried to duplicate her recipe several times, but I forgot that she put butter on both pieces before creating the masterpiece!”

Another entrant, who submitted a recipe for chocolate macaroons, talked about how his mom would make these cookies each Christmas Eve. “We would get to open one gift and have one cookie/macaroon before going to bed,” he said. “We intend to keep the tradition going with our grandkids.”

An additional contestant submitted a recipe for stack cakes from her grandmother and mother, who also recently celebrated her 100th birthday. “My grandmother was known for her stack cakes. It was our family’s go-to favorite during the holidays and family gatherings. My mother has also carried on the tradition of making her mama’s stack cake. Congratulations to Capel and my mom for reaching 100 years!”

About Capel Rugs
Based in Troy, N.C., Capel, Inc. offers more rugs in more categories than any other area rug company, including original braided rugs and woven rugs made in North Carolina for 100 years, the finest hand knotted rugs, best selling hand tufted rugs, innovative outdoor rugs and kids rugs. To see more from Capel Rugs' program, visit CapelRugs.com.

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