During the last few months as I've been watching the Real Women of Philadelphia recipe contest unfold, I've amazed by all the creative entrees. Weekly challenges include themes for entrees, side dishes, appetizers and dessert.  These themes are Time Crunch, Anything Goes, International and Make to Impress.  I usually look forward to the Anything Goes theme. This upcoming week, the winners for the Side Dish theme of "Anything Goes" will be announced.  I thought I was a creative cook, but anytime this theme is applied the competitors are truly thinking outside the box.  And that is what's fun about RWOP. It takes one ingredient (cream cheese) and asks you to think about it differently.  To come up with something unexpected.  To think about things like presentation and photography in addition to the flavors. And to share your efforts with others in a supportive and very engaging community on-line.  

These aren't professional chefs.  The RWOP community is made up of people just like you and me. Just reading some of the entries will inspire creativity. Here are some of my favorite recipes where truly Anything Goes.... I may not follow the exact recipe or even make it at all.  But I was definitely inspired and that is really what counts.

 

Some of these recipes were winners at RWOP and some weren't.  Winners win $500 and a chance to be featured in this Fall's RWOP Cookbook.  And that's pretty cool.  But I think anyone who submits a recipe and tries to do something a little special is a winner too.