We are all so excited to announce Mandy Heaston as one of the finalists for Real Women of Philadelphia!

This mother of three is a dynamo in the kitchen! She loves cooking with her three girls and when she's not busy introducing them to new foods, she's working on her adorable blog, http://www.gourmetmomonthego.com. Mandy also has a Masters in Classical Opera - she's a multi-talented girl!

We caught up with busy Mandy and asked her some culinary questions!

Why is cooking so important to you?

Cooking to me means Love and Family Time. It's not about getting food in your mouth as fast as you can, it's a way to show those people you care about that you love them. With families so busy and over-scheduled, sitting down together as a family and sharing a meal is starting to disappear--and I think we need to take it back that crucial time! Also, my girls really open up when we're cooking together in the kitchen. I think it's less intimidating than mom "grilling you" about your day--when we're side by side cooking together, information just tends to spill out and I learn quite a bit about what's going on in their lives.

What is the best meal you've ever eaten and why?

So hard to choose! A couple years ago my husband and I went to Costa Rica. We got caught in a huge rainstorm in San José, so we ducked inside a tiny little restaurant. We ordered what the waiter recommended, chatted and listened to the rain outside. Just sitting alone with my best friend and eating delicious local fare was magical for me!

Describe your biggest kitchen disaster.

Once I made a fancy several-course dinner for some friends. Their kids were only used to eating very plain food and they all got stomachaches. I felt terrible! Also, with three little girls we make a HUGE mess every day in the kitchen. It used to upset me until I realized the day would come too soon that I'd miss those messes.

Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to cooking?

Well, most definitely Paula Deen--I think she landed me a husband! I love watching the Food Network, I get in trouble with my husband for filling up the DVR with cooking shows.:) Other favorite chefs are Rocco DiSpiriti, the Neeleys, and Wolfgang Puck.

What are you going to say to Paula Deen when you meet her for the first time?

"THANK YOU Mama Bear!" I'd love to tell what an honor and dream come true it is for me to meet her. Also, thank her for the many times I've gotten out of a scrape with my husband by using her Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe. I think it's given me the upper hand in our relationship.;) I've been a fan for the past 8 years, but she's become a "real person" to me during this contest. So supportive and a true "Mama Bear" for us novice home cooks!

And here's a bit more from Mandy in her own words:

This Real Women of Philadelphia opportunity is such a dream come true! I have bruises all over my arms from pinching myself to make sure this is real! As I've said before, I am really passionate about "taking back" family meal time, teaching your kids about good nutrition, and keeping the art of home cooking alive and well. So, a couple years ago I started writing the food blog Gourmet Mom-on-the-Go. I try to post recipes that will make your house the "coolest one on the block"--you know, the house that all the kids want to go to after school because you have hot cookies.:) It's not for profit, just a labor of love to encourage parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles to get in the kitchen with their families. In my wildest dreams I never thought I'd get to meet Paula Deen and participate in a cook off with Philadelphia Cream Cheese! I'm just a housewife! It just goes to show you that dreams really do come true.

I have an amazing husband and three wiggly, giggly little girls. I have a masters degree in Music (vocal performance, I'm a classical lyric soprano) and there is definitely a lot of singing at our house and in the kitchen! You should hear my 3-year old "warm up her voice"--I think she puts the neighborhood cats to shame.:) My husband is my best friend and the best daddy anyone could want for their kids. He and I escape once a year alone to just reconnect and enjoy each other without the everyday distractions that get in the way. My family has been so supportive of this dream of mine, I don't think I could have done this contest without their love and support--and taste testing!