We have a winner!  Huge round of applause to Lauren Katz on winning the Cooking Contest Central Members-Only “Slimmed Down Snacks” recipe contest!

Her healthy recipe for “Smokey Salmon and Veggie Pinwheels” made our judges spin with delight!  Inspired by a craving for a bagel with cream cheese, Lauren invented these skinny snacks.

Lauren says,

“I came up with this recipe, because I have actually been following a lower carbohydrate diet lately.  I am always trying to think up fresh, tasty ideas that are not super high in calories, but also satisfy that snack craving.  One of the things I crave a lot is a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, but bagels are so high in simple carbohydrates.  By using the cucumber, you are saving a huge amount of calories.  I love these Salmon Pinwheels, because as a snack, they hit all my important requirements- Crunchy, salty, creamy, and fun to eat!  Plus, they are adorable and elegant enough to serve at a party.”  

As for the prize, Lauren says,

“I am planning to use my new BlendTec blender to make delicious, fresh smoothies and sauces.  The bonus prize money is very appreciated, and will be going toward my childrens daunting summer camp fees!”

Lauren also shared with us her Top 3 Recipe Contest Tips!

1)  Persevere:  Keep trying, even if you are going through a dry spell.  Your time will come, and with each contest you enter, you will get better and better at writing recipes and knowing what the sponsors are looking for!

2)  Be a Stickler:  Read the rules carefully, then re-read them again!  

3)  Do Your Homework:  Research the recipes that won in prior years.  I also like to search recipes in a sponsor’s database to see if there are any areas that are lacking.  For instance, if there are a ton of savory recipes, but not a lot of sweet, I might try entering a baked good.  Try to fill in the gaps that they might need!

Don’t forget to check out our February Members-Only* contest.  This month we are all about “Breakfasts and Brunches!”

https://cookingcontestcentral.com/members-only-recipe-contest-february-2015/

Someone will win this gorgeous 7-piece Le Creuset cookware set.  And don’t forget to enter as many times as you like.   There are bonus prizes if we hit entry milestones!

*If you haven’t renewed your annual membership or want to join Cooking Contest Central, click here.  In addition to all the benefits of membership, you can now also enter exclusive members-only contests like this one!

Please follow the link below to view or print the recipe:

Smokey Salmon and Veggie Pinwheels