Love My Philly

It’s hard to find the time to make something good to eat, when we are constantly on the go. There is so much we are trying to cram into every minute of everyday, that it’s just as easy to pull through a drive through window, or stop at a mini-mart for a quick bite to eat while maintaining your day. Here are a few recipes from Philly that will keep you out of the drive thru and still keep you on track. Each of the following recipes is delicious, nurturing, sophisticated, and only take 5 min. to make.

Whipped Feta Spread with Walnuts – Not only is this a great dip, but it also tastes great spread on sandwiches or a burger. In fact you could spread this on some pita or flat bread and eat it on its own. Toast the bread to give it a little crunch; it will be a nice contrast to the smooth and creamy texture of the spread.

Easy Petit Fours- When you’re throwing a dinner party or having friends over for cocktails, these sweet fluffy cookies are a quick and sophisticated fix. Use mixed berry or brown sugar and cinnamon spiced cream cheese, and fresh strawberries or raspberries.

Turkey Tortilla Wrap- These wraps are a quick lunch fix for you and the kids. You can prepare in the morning, while fixing breakfast. You can use whatever meat or veggies you have on hand, and wrap it all up in a tortilla with some of your favorite Philly spread!

Fruit and Nut Wrap-Another wrap, that makes a great snack anytime, anywhere. Spread original, strawberry, or mixed berry Philadelphia cream cheese on a white or flour tortilla and top with your favorite fruit, raisins, and nut. I like to use sunflower seeds, and sprinkle with honey before I roll it up!

Double Strawberry Waffle- For a delicious and mouthwatering breakfast, try these double strawberry waffles. Use your favorite toaster waffles, and top with strawberry Philly and fresh sliced strawberries.

Old World Salami Sandwich- This rustic sandwich served on marble rye is a great and quick fix for a weekday lunch. Not only does it only take 5 min. to make, but it tastes amazing, and will have you wishing that lunch would come sooner. You can prepare it the morning of or the night before, either way you won’t lose any extra sleep time because of it.

I love to unwind with a nice bowl of soup in the summer. One of my favorites is Chicken Enchilada. It’s perfect for a nice crisp California evening. Of course, perfection is taken to the next level when you incorporate Philly. Try out this recipe for a filling summertime soup. And polish it off with Philly.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

1/2 C. vegetable oil

1/4 C. chicken base

3 Cups diced yellow onions

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp chili powder

2 tsp granulated garlic

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 Cup masa harina

4 qts water, divided

2 Cups crushed tomatoes

1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed

16 oz (1 brick) Philadelphia Cream Cheese

3 lbs boneless, chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

COOK oil, chicken base, onion and spices in a large pot. Sauté until onions are soft and clear, about 5 minutes.

MIX masa harina with 1 quart water. Stir until all lumps dissolve. Add to sautéed onions and bring to boil. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

ADD remaining water to pot. Add tomatoes and return to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add Velveeta cheese and stir until it melts. Add chicken; heat and serve.

GARNISH with 1 Tbsp of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled tortilla chips, and salsa.

Substitute Philly Neufchatel Cheese for the cream cheese and red skin potatoes for the regular potatoes. Add black pepper to taste.

1 small onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped
1 lb. potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup milk
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1 can (6-1/4 oz.) minced clams, undrained

COOK and stir onions, celery and bacon in medium saucepan on medium heat 5 min. or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

ADD potatoes and water; bring to boil. Cook 15 min. or until potatoes are tender.

MICROWAVE milk and cream cheese in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until milk is heated through. Stir with wire whisk until cream cheese is completely melted. Add to potato mixture; stir until well blended. Stir in the clams with their liquid. Cook 2 min. or until heated through, stirring frequently. (Do not boil.)

This side dish is simple to make and packed with flavor. It’s delicous accompanied with baked chicken.

1 Tbsp. KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing
2 Tbsp. chopped onions
1 cup instant white rice, uncooked
1-1/4 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 plum tomato, chopped
1 oz. (1/8 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

HEAT dressing in small saucepan on medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 3 min. or until tender.

STIR in rice, broth and tomatoes. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 3 min.

ADD cheeses and parsley; stir until blended. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 min. before serving.

What is it about tiny desserts that’s so satisfying? Maybe it’s due to the fact that bite sized treats keep us from overstuffing ourselves. But whatever the reason, Philly has recipes-o-plenty that come in just right serving portions. Check out the best dessert bars that Philly has to offer.

Praline Bars

A chewy, nutty treat that will make your taste buds sing and only 11 grams of fat, go ahead and bake these bars. They’ll be worth the wait.

Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Savor this berry delightful dessert, and cut 3 grams of fat calories by substituting Philadelphia Neufchatel Cheese.

Double Layer Lemon-Lime Bars

A light, citrus-y dessert with just a hint of tanginess, this bar goes hand in hand with summer.

Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Use this recipe to give the conventional cheesecake a welcomed new twist, creamy and caramel-iscious.

Choco-Cherry Bars

I can’t think of a better pairing than Philly, chocolate, and cherries. Whip this up and prepare yourself for a great choco treat.

It about that time, it’s creeping up on twelve o’clock once again. That lunch whistle is about to blow and your tummy is grumbling so loud it’s causing your co-workers to stare. Try taming those hungry growls with some tasty and filling lunch time choices using Philadelphia cream cheese, all of which will keep your tummy happy and sound.

Ham and Herb – This sandwich provides a unique take on a classic lunchtime sandwich. Try a cheese or onion bagel for the ham and herb sandwich, and top with thinly sliced red onion and crisp bib lettuce leaves.

Terrific Tuna Melt - I love tuna melts, and this one takes the cake for me. The tanginess of the cream cheese really makes the flavors pop. The toasted flatbread is a great choice for a little extra crunch. You could substitute chicken for tuna as well, and top with fresh cucumber or tomato slices.

Read more… »

Show the big guy how much you love him by fixing up some of
his favorite meals with a little help from Philadelphia cream cheese. Here are a few
options for each meal that you can pick and customize for your dad’s special
day. Happy father’s day everyone!

Breakfast:

Start the day off on a good note, with a hearty breakfast
for dad to enjoy. Try either of these; both can be made with or without. Just
replace the ham in the French toast with fresh cut strawberries or peaches, and
replace the bacon with veggies like bell peppers and onions. Dad will be truly
grateful, and it will provide him with fuel he needs for all the festivities
the day has to offer.

• Stuffed
  French Toast
• Bacon
  ‘n Eggs Pie

Lunch:

Lunch time is just as important as breakfast or dinner time,
so make sure dad gets treated to it as well. Fire up the grill with some fresh
chicken breast and make an awesome chicken sandwich with slaw and bell pepper
relish (recipe below), or take dad for a hike surprise him with a packed lunch
of cream cheese crunchers, and nutty apple snacks. Make sure you pack some
sunscreen and a couple water bottles.

• Chicken
  & Slaw Sandwich with Bell Pepper Relish
• Cream
  Cheese Crunchers
• Delicious
  Nutty Apple Snack

Read more… »

You just walked in the door, the dog has left muddy paw prints on the kitchen floor, the telephone is ringing off the hook, and your family is acting as if they are on the brink of starving to death if you don’t feed them in the next five seconds. You forgot to stop at the grocery store on your way home and you need to feed your brood fast, so what’s for dinner? Well, Philly of course. Leave it to the wizards of cream cheese to get you out of this bind. Try these Philly infused casseroles. They cook up quick and easy.

Creamy
Ham and Noodle Casserole
If you’re anything like me you always have noodles in the
pantry. Go ahead and turn them into something good and filling with this
recipe.

Vegetables
in Cream Sauce
This side dish is full of veggies and free of meat, so why
not turn it into a vegetarian entrée?

Classic
Creamed Spinach Casserole
This casserole is a spinach lovers dream. Go ahead, Popeye
would be proud.

Cheesy
Rice and Corn Casserole
Even the pickiest eaters are sure to like this.

Enchilada
Suizas Casserole
Switch things up for some ethnic eats. Instead of rolling
your tortillas individually just layer your ingredients and viola, you have an
enchilada casserole.

Hey everyone, the PHILLY folks sent me over these “Gratuity Coupons” to share with the LoveMyPhilly blog readers! The coupons are good for “One Free PHILADELPHIA Original Brick or Regular Soft Cream Cheese” up to $4.99 exp. 3.31.09. These coupons are only valid in the U.S.

I’m going to be giving them away by holding (took out Weekly) giveaways.
Our giveaway:

What’s your favorite PHILLY recipe that you serve for quick, casual gatherings? Please be creative!

Send your response, name, and please send your mailing address (so I can send you the coupon) to:

lovemyphilly@gmail.com

The first 50 people who respond will receive a free coupon in the mail!

This rich “frozen cheesecake” ice cream can be served by itself, with fruit cake or pound cake, or in ice cream sandwich form. Serve between graham crackers, oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies for a dynamite ice cream sandwich. Read more… »