Beth Robinson

Marking its first-ever hashtag-based social media challenge, KitchenAid is partnering with Food Network, Food Network Magazine and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian to celebrate culinary creativity and innovation through a timeless ingredient: the apple.

Home cooks in need of an extra pair of hands in the kitchen should consider the latest countertop appliance from KitchenAid: a four quart Multi-Cooker offering 10 cooking functions, step-by-step cooking modes and a stirring accessory that allows for assisted cooking at precise temperatures.

KitchenAid has entered the fast growing home carbonation category with the introduction of the Sparkling Beverage Maker, a premium countertop soda maker developed in collaboration with SodaStream International, Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of home carbonation systems.

For those whose holiday wish lists revolve around the kitchen, four new introductions from KitchenAid are sure to surprise and delight. They include nine new cookware collections, a digital countertop oven with convection, an electric kettle and a cordless hand blender.

KitchenAid, the brand that's been offering essentials for the kitchenfor almost acentury, will return as a major sponsor of the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine October 17-20, 2013. Entering its sixth year, the four-day festival celebrates the world's greatest chefs, culinary personalities, winemakers and spirits producers, together with the city's best food and drink.