12 Tips for Entering and Winning Recipe Contests Take Your Big Chance!

You just heard about a recipe contest where you can win a year's supply of home delivered meals or a professional set of cookware and kitchen appliances, or spectacular trip which includes a visit with a famous television chef and free lessons to a prestigious cooking school. Or maybe the prize is simply cash in the amount of hundreds or thousands of dollars. And all you have to do is submit your favorite recipe for a salad or fish or maybe your favorite holiday treat. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so you naturally want to give it your best shot. Follow these 12 simple tips to maximize your chances at making a dream come true.

1. Every contest has a set of rules. Read the official contest rules and read them again. Print the rules and using a highlighter marker, highlight the deadline, the method of entry, and what kind of recipe is called for. Pay attention to entry limits. Some contests limit entries to one entry per person, or one entry per household, or one entry per category. For example, there may be a recipe contest for using peanuts and there are four categories, one category for desserts, one category for snacks and appetizers, one category for entrees and one category for quick and easy salads. The recipe contest may allow you to enter one time in each category, giving you a total of 4 chances to enter. It is important to follow the rules so you don't disqualify yourself, but also have the opportunity to maximize your chances of being chosen.

2. Analyze the how the contest will be judged by using your highlighter to highlight that section of the rules. There will probably be a percentage breakdown of originality, creativity, taste, appearance, ease of preparation, or any other characteristic the judging agency deems important in determining the winning recipe.