Local mom Mandy Heaston is one of sixteen finalists in the "Real Women of Philadelphia" cooking contest being judged by Southern Cooking Queen Paula Deen and Philadelphia Cream Cheese. More than 5,000 cooks from around the country submitted short videos showing how they use Philly Cream Cheese in their recipes. Mandy's recipe for Asparagus and Parmesan Pastry is one of four recipes competing in the Side Dish category. She is also the only contestant representing the west coast. Other categories include Appetizer, Entree and Dessert. One winner in each category will be crowned the "Real Women of Philadelphia" and will win a talent contract worth $25,000 to potentially host her own weekly online cooking show. They'll also have the opportunity to contribute their recipes in a cookbook with Paula Deen.
In addition to raising three young children, Mandy also runs a cooking blog focused mostly on fun kid foods called Gourmet Mom on the Go.
Mandy next heads off to Savannah, Georgia to compete in a live cook-off in front of Paula Deen and a surprise panel of judges. You can watch the live event on Wednesday, June 30, at 5:00pm at www.pauladeen.com/rwop. Good luck, Mandy!
