PLYMOUTH, Wis., Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cue the sentimental music and break out the gaudy decorations, 'tis the season for quirky holiday pastimes.

"Let's face it, whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, embarrassing family traditions are just a part of America's holiday charm," said Clinton Kelly, fashion consultant, and co-host of television's What Not to Wear and The Chew. "But it's important to remember there's still one place where bad taste never belongs: in the kitchen."

That's why Kelly partnered with family-owned Sargento^® to stage a holiday "Taste Intervention." Sargento, the manufacturer of natural Sargento Shredded Cheese Varieties, launched an online contest today for families that want to shake up their holidays. The winner will walk away with a $10,000 holiday makeover and a free online consultation with Kelly. One runner up will receive a $250 gift card while 25 others will receive a coupon for a free package of Sargento Shredded Cheese.

To enter, anyone can simply post a cheesy holiday photo with friends or family on the Sargento Facebook page beginning Nov. 19 through Dec.17, 2012. Entrants also must include a brief caption with the photo that explains why their household needs a holiday "Taste Intervention."  

"As a family company, we know how important it is to be with loved ones during the holidays," said Drew Carmichael, marketing manager of Sargento Foods Inc. "The Sargento 'Taste Intervention' contest isn't about doing away with traditions or starting family feuds. It's all about shaking up the holidays, trying something new in the kitchen and having a few laughs along the way."

According to a new Sargento holiday survey, Kelly isn't the only one in favor of shaking things up this holiday season.

Two in three people who celebrate the holidays said they favor changing some or all traditions. Forty percent would like to give their decor a makeover as 45 percent reported they see the same, tired decorations year after year. Meanwhile, 36 percent would like to change up boring holiday recipes.

The Sargento holiday survey was conducted by global insights firm Kelton, which polled 1,000 American adults online.

Holiday chefs can also check out these festive recipes online that feature Sargento shredded cheeses. Visitors can browse dozens of holiday dishes, including a new approach to bread pudding, featuring Sargento Traditional Cut Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, or baked penne topped with Sargento Artisan Blends^® Shredded Mozzarella & Provolone Cheese. Kelly's Green Bean Casserole with Caramelized Onions and Puff Pastry offers a unique take on the standard dish.

For those looking for something new from Sargento, the Chef Blends™ line, which includes Shredded 4 Cheese Pizzeria and Shredded 4 State Cheddar^®, combines several cheeses for a unique flavor and is perfect for chef-inspired meals at home. Also available in multiple varieties are the Sargento Off the Block Traditional and Fine Cut, Artisan Blends, and Reduced Fat cheeses.

For more information on Sargento products and to locate a store that carries Sargento Shredded Cheese Varieties, visit http://www.sargento.com/.

About Sargento Foods Inc.
Sargento Foods Inc. has demonstrated its passion for cheese and cheese-based meal solutions throughout its history. Founded in 1953 in Plymouth, Wis., Sargento is a leading manufacturer, packager and marketer of natural shredded, sliced and snack cheeses, cheese appetizers, ingredients, sauces and other culinary solutions. Sargento is owned and operated by the Gentine family, and has net sales of more than $1 billion. For more information, please visit www.sargento.com.

SOURCE Sargento Foods Inc.