When it comes down to it, could you make a meal based on what is in your pantry right now? What hidden new dishes are hiding in there? Do you think you can be inspired by pancake mix, instant potatoes, peanut butter, syrup, or cornmeal as ingredients?

Starting today, the makers of Hungry Jack and Food Network chef Adam Gertler encourage consumers to think outside the box with their pantry staples in the first-ever Hungry Jack Use Up the Box Recipe and Essay Contest.

Nearly eight in ten Americans (77%) throw away pantry items they fail to use up, according to a recent survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. With forty-seven percent of respondents reporting that they generally make the same meals on a weekly basis, and one in three (31%) never use a food product outside of its intended use, it is time to put the contents of your pantry to work.

Between September 23 and November 9, 2009, home cooks across the country are invited to craft and submit an original recipe using Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes, Pancake Mix or Syrup as ingredients and write an essay describing how the recipe was created and inspired by pantry items at www.useupthebox.com or via regular mail. An online vote will help determine one Grand Prize Winner in each of the three categories – Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes, Pancake Mix and Syrup – and winners will each receive a year’s worth of groceries.

It’s not surprising that six in ten (60%) Americans look for either ease or cost savings when preparing meals, and it is simple and budget friendly to look in the pantry for inspiration. Chef Adam Gertler, star of Will Work For Food on The Food Network, looks to his pantry for creative recipe thought starters just waiting to be mixed, blended or whipped into a new, delicious meal. Adam created five mouth-watering dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, each using pantry staples like Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes, Pancake Mix, and Syrup. Adam’s recipes as well as his helpful pantry-maximizing tips can be found at www.useupthebox.com.

“Hungry Jack products are high quality, taste great and are versatile, offering countless ways to use up the box by creating sweet or savory dishes and stretching meal dollars,” said Chef Gertler. “Have fun challenging yourself to come up with unique recipes using Hungry Jack products and whatever else you have kicking around the pantry. I’ll bet you surprise yourself!”

On www.useupthebox.com visitors can discover 20 new, inspiring meal possibilities made with Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes, Pancake Mix, and Syrup. Families count on Hungry Jack brand for great-tasting potatoes and fluffy pancakes with syrup, and you can also use the products as ingredients in delicious dishes such as Chef Adam Gertler’s:

1. Breakfast Sausage Pizza – Hungry Jack Pancake Mix makes a crispy crust for this egg- and sausage-topped pizza.
2. Turkey Burger Sliders – these popular mini burgers feature delectable biscuits made with Hungry Jack Pancake Mix and homemade barbecue sauce featuring Hungry Jack Syrup
3. Chocolate-Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting – these chocolate treats are perfect for breakfast or a snack and are made with Hungry Jack Pancake Mix
4. Potato Parmesan Gnocchi with Brown Butter & Sage Sauce – homemade, fresh pasta in a flash? It’s possible with Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes!
5. Two Cheese Potato Gratin – these individual gratins, made with Hungry Jack Potatoes and a blend of Swiss and parmesan cheeses, make a sophisticated side dish.

“Putting meals on the table that the entire family will love doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – or even require an extra trip to the grocery store,” said Maribeth Badertscher, Director, Corporate Communications, The J.M. Smucker Company. “By getting creative with pantry staples like Hungry Jack potatoes, pancake mix and syrup, the possibilities are endless.”

The Hungry Jack Use Up the Box Recipe and Essay Contest begins on September 23, 2009 and ends November 9, 2009 and is open to US residents over 18 years of age. Void where prohibited. For complete details and Official Rules, as well as creative recipes and tips from Chef Adam Gertler and Hungry Jack visit www.useupthebox.com.