The Midwest Cream Cheese Competition

Think you have the very best Philadelphia cream cheese recipe? Well, you might have some serious competition! The folks in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin have been hosting The Midwest Cream Cheese Competition for the past three years to celebrate the state’s dairy pride! Beaver Dam is the heart of Philadelphia Cream Cheese since it is home to a huge manufacturing plant. On March 8^th, the fourth annual competition will commence. Last year, there were 24 contestants with 46 entries competing in three categories: "Best New Cream Cheese Recipe," "Greatest Cream Cheese Dip Recipe" and "Ultimate Cheesecake.” Entries were judged on both taste and appearance by a panel of cream cheese experts and local officials. “Some Like It Hot Cream Cheese Soup” won best new recipe and “Hot Fudge White Chocolate Cheesecake” won in the ultimate cheesecake category. Many contestants said they start with a recipe from a magazine and tweak it to make it their own. The event is sponsored by The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce and Kraft. For $5 you can enter up to 3 recipes, with each recipe beyond 3 being an additional $5. This year, 1^st place winners receive $250, 2^nd place $150, and third place $75. What’s your most magnificent cream cheese recipe?