Love My Philly

4 slices OSCAR MAYER Center Cut Bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) chicken broth
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
4 cups assorted vegetables, such as broccoli florets, pepper strips, carrot slices, mushroom slices, peas and/or zucchini slices
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

COOK bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet; set aside. Add onion to drippings in skillet; cook and stir until tender.

ADD 1 cup water, chicken broth and macaroni to skillet; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover. Simmer 10 minutes or until macaroni is tender.

ADD vegetables and cream cheese. Cook until cream cheese is melted and mixture is heated through, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with bacon and Parmesan cheese.

3 large croissants, cut up
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese or PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1/4 cups milk

PLACE croissant pieces evenly in 10 (1/2-cup) ramekins; sprinkle with blueberries.
BEAT cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla in medium bowl with electric mixer until well blended. Gradually add milk, beating well after each addition. Pour evenly over croissant pieces. Let stand 20 min.
BAKE at 350°F for 20 to 25 min. or until set in centers and golden brown. Serve warm sprinkled with powdered sugar.

One of the greatest inventions known to man is probably the slow-cooker, a dream come true as far as kitchen appliances go. This handy dandy crock-pot holy grail is the answer to all your dinner time dilemmas. For all of us out there who juggle a million and one things a day, this invention saves tons of time, it allows you to run all those afternoon/after work errands, take the kids to and from soccer practice and still have a home cooked meal on the table. Throw all ingredients into a pot the morning of and by the time you come home dinner is ready! Try this featured recipe, and enjoy all the time you will be saving.

Slow Cooked Chicken and Dumplings

Prep Time:
15 min

Total Time:
11 hr

Makes:
6 servings, about 1-3/4 cups each

1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs

2-1/2 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

1-1/2 cups each chopped onions, celery and carrots

2 cups frozen peas, thawed

1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread

1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken

3/4 cup hot water

2 eggs, lightly beaten

COMBINE chicken, broth, onions, celery and carrots in slow cooker; cover with lid.

COOK on LOW for 8 to 10 hours (or on HIGH for 3-1/2 hours).

ADD peas and cream cheese spread; stir until well blended. Mix stuffing mix, water and eggs until well blended. Drop stuffing mixture, 2 heaping tablespoonfuls at a time, onto chicken mixture in slow cooker. Cook, covered, on HIGH 30 min. gently turn over dumplings. Cook, covered, an additional 15 min.

Take a trip down south with these Tex-Mex inspired dishes. With just a little kick, these are sure to tame those cravings for a little something spicy and savory.

Dips:

Spicy Pepper Cheese –Pate of the South: This cheesy spicy spread can be made days in advance. So it’s great to have on hand for unexpected guests or as a last minute party appetizer. Serve it with butter Ritz crackers or Wheat Thins.

Creamy Salsa Dip: This is a great dip for those who like to spend minimal time in the kitchen (yes, I’m raising my hand too). It’s a total of three ingredients; Philly cream cheese, salsa, and fresh cut cilantro. Serve it with fresh slices of bell pepper or tortilla chips.

Black Bean Dip: Not only great as a dip, but also works well in a pita for lunch time. Use refried or whole black beans and chop up some cilantro and chilies. Mix it all in with some Philadelphia cream cheese and a few drops of hot sauce and stick in the fridge until chilled.

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To make this recipes into Cheesecake Bars: Omit crust. Line 8-inch square baking pan with foil. Mix 1-1/2 cups OREO Chocolate Cookie Crumbs and 1/4 cup melted butter; press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. Prepare cheesecake batters and layer over crust as directed. Bake and cool as directed. Cut into 16 bars. Makes 16 servings, 1 bar each.

Wonderful dinner recipe. Very moist and tasty.

1   (4-1/2-lb.) roasting  chicken
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
1 medium lemon, washed
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Rinse chicken; pat dry with paper towel. Use the tip of a sharp knife to separate the chicken skin from the meat in the chicken breast and tops of the legs. Sprinkle chicken both inside and out with the pepper and salt. Place in 13×9-inch baking dish.
GRATE the lemon; mix the peel with cream cheese and Italian seasoning. Use a small spoon or your fingers to carefully stuff the cream cheese mixture under the chicken skin, pushing the cream cheese mixture carefully toward the legs, being careful to not tear the skin.
CUT the lemon in half; squeeze both halves into small bowl. Add dressing; beat with wire wire whisk until well blended. Drizzle evenly over chicken. Place the squeezed lemon halves inside the chicken cavity. Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer into thickest part of 1 of the chicken’s thighs.
BAKE 1 hour 30 min. or until chicken is no longer pink in center (180°F), basting occasionally with the pan juices.

In my opinion, the best part of any good party is the food, especially when that food is teeny tiny. And what better place to serve tiny food than at a party that is celebrating the soon to some arrival of your teeny tiny bundle of joy. Take your favorite party dish, add Philly, and you’ve got a party!

Favorite Topped Deviled Eggs
No gathering is complete without deviled eggs. Top this recipe off with a mini shrimp and garnish with dill for a full of flavorful bite size starter.

Tea Sandwiches
In my opinion, any party that has large numbers of women in attendance should serve these sandwiches. They are the quintessential appetizer, highlighting that your soirée is effortlessly elegant.

Blue Cheese Mushrooms
I am a huge fan of blue cheese. Set these mushrooms out for your guests and they’ll make a beeline right for them.

Easy Pickle Stacks
Everyone knows that pregnant women love pickles, which makes this the perfect hors d’oeuvre to serve at your baby shower. Use colored toothpicks, for the occasion, that match the décor.

Ritz Cheesy Football
I know, who wants a football shaped appetizer at their baby shower? I certainly would not. However, this recipe is great for a shower, just rework the shape into a rattle or diaper mold and presto change-o. You have the perfect cracker topper.

If you’re anything like me, then when you get home from work the first thing that pops into your head is, “What am I going to make for dinner?” The second thought is, “Ugh, who cares I’m too tired to cook.” What do you do when you need a meal and you need it fast? Whether its breakfast, lunch, or dinner Philly has you covered. Take a look at these 15 minute meals and next time you’re in a bind give them a try.

Deviled Ham Finger Sandwiches
These tiny sandwiches are great for a quick lunch, especially now that the kids are out of school for summer, and fun to eat. Throw them together in a jiffy, better than a Happy Meal and faster too.

Toasted Tuna Melts
Try this meal for lunch. Use wheat bread instead of white and you’ll have a meal packed full of protein and fiber.

Creamy No-Fail Omelet
The best thing about the weekend is that you have plenty of time to make a big breakfast and enjoy it. Infuse your eggs with Philly and enjoy.

Morning Maple Waffles
Sure this sounds like a breakfast that would take a lot of work but it’s only 15 minutes from ingredients to inhaled. The kids will start their morning off right with this one.

Creamy Rice with Peas and Mushrooms
I’ve never liked peas but add Philly to them and I’ll eat it like candy. Serve up this dish to your clan to make sure they get great meal full of healthy veggies.

I’m all about watching my weight right now; with summer now just a few weeks away it’s time to kick my butt into gear. That means more time spent at the gym, and less time spent in front of the television. At least I know that I don’t have to give up great tasting foods. With Philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese, I can have low-carb meals that are still delicious. Try these great recipes out for yourself, and watch the weight melt away!

Garden Vegetable Grilled Sandwich- Philly Garden Vegetable light cream cheese and fresh seasonal veggies such as zucchini, Walla Walla onion, and Portobello mushrooms make this light supper taste heavenly. You will fell great and fulfilled. Use whole wheat bread, and some fresh arugula for a flavorful sandwich.

Roast Pork Tenderloin Supper- You won’t regret making this fabulous pork tenderloin dinner. It will have you feeling like you sat down for Thanksgiving dinner, with out the bloated and too full feeling. Use Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese to make a nice creamy sauce to pour over the pork. Finish off with some fresh green beans or asparagus.

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Liven up this simply delicious dinner recipe with some extra Italian dressing.

1 pkg. (1 lb.) spaghetti, uncooked
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1/2 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing
3 Tbsp. KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese

COOK spaghetti as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, cook and stir bacon and onions in large skillet on medium-high heat 8 min. or until bacon is crisp and onions are tender; drain. Wipe out skillet.
DRAIN spaghetti. Immediately add to skillet along with remaining ingredients; toss until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended.