Whether it’s that crowd-pleasing appetizer or your family’s favorite casserole, every great recipe has a go-to ingredient that provides a special touch and creates an inspired flavor. That’s why Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Food Network star Paula Deen have teamed up to host the Real Women of Philadelphia community and casting competition on www.PaulaDeen.com/RealWomen. Home cooks across the country are invited to share how they bring everyday dishes to life with Philly for a chance to win $25,000 and be named one of the Real Women of Philadelphia.

Cooks can visit www.PaulaDeen.com/RealWomen to join the Real Women of Philadelphia community and submit a video audition showcasing how they use Philly in their favorite dishes – whether it’s their secret ingredient for smooth mashed potatoes or the perfect creamy pasta sauce. Paula is joining the fun too and will post weekly videos sharing how she prepares her favorite recipes with the community, along with her down-home ideas, tips and tricks.

“I love to take a traditional meal and give it my own twist by adding a new and unexpected ingredient like Philly,” said Paula Deen. “Since I got my start through hard work and determination, I jumped at the chance to give talented home cooks the opportunity to shine through the Real Women of Philadelphia community.”

Based on their videos, 16 lucky finalists will be invited to a live cook-off with Paula in Savannah, Georgia. Each contestant’s recipe will be judged by Paula and her friends and four lucky ladies will be named the Real Women of Philadelphia – winning $25,000 and the opportunity to host their own weekly online cooking show on www.PaulaDeen.com/RealWomen. In addition, these four women will get the chance to contribute to a cookbook highlighting the community’s favorite cream cheese recipes.

Visit www.PaulaDeen.com/RealWomen to find the complete details about the Real Women of Philadelphia casting call and share recipes and tips with other real-life cooks.