Sunday is the last day to enter your “International” appetizer recipe(s).  Be sure to submit your entry by 11:59 PM ET.  Our next category starts Monday so get your “Make to Impress” entree recipes ready! 

www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Happy National Cheesecake Day!  In honor of their 60th anniversary Junior’s Restaurant is looking for the best original cheesecake recipe.  The contest kicks off today.  Contest submissions may be made online at www.juniorscheesecake.com, to Junior’s via mail and at any one of the four Junior’s locations in Brooklyn, Times Square, Grand Central Terminal – all in New York City – and MGM Foxwoods in Connecticut.  Make sure to stop by the Brooklyn Junior’s Restaurant for a slice of New York-style cheesecake for only 60 cents on July 30, 2010!  For those of you who do not live near a Junior’s Restaurant, you can request a catalog or order their famous cheesecake online at www.juniorscheesecake.com.  Happy Anniversary Junior’s Restaurant!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Feel free to chat with members in the Real Women of Philadelphia community and discuss the new side dish recipes submitted last week.  Give some recipes a try and discuss your favorite.  Which side dish recipe do you think deserves the $500 prize and a chance to be published in the community cookbook? www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you for your side dish submissions last week!  This week we are looking for the best “International Inspired” appetizers.  Requirements for this category and theme requires unique appetizer recipes made with no more than five ingredients and prepared in two or three easy steps.  If you have last minute “go to” recipes, dust them off because you may have a winner.  Good luck!   www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
Sunday is the last day to enter the side dish “Time Crunch” category.  Submit your recipe by 11:59 PM ET on Sunday July 25, 2010.   To enter your recipe for the weekly entries, you have to join the Real Women of Philadelphia community.  It’s quick and easy to do.  If you are not participating in the Real Women of Philadelphia Recipe Contest, you can still join the community and chat with members, share, and discover new Philly inspired recipes.  www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KC Quaretti-Lee, Mandy Heaston, Caryn Ross, and Sheila Cutchlow!  Congratulations ladies!  You followed your dream and it came true.   To the 12 finalist and everyone who participated, thank you for your hard work and dedication.  The Real Women of Philadelphia competition would not have been possible without your support.  Check out the re-streaming of the RWOP Live Event here.  You can also view the event photography on Facebook.

Here are the winners and their “Award Winning” recipes.

Caryn Ross’s Sassy Tailgate Sandwiches Appetizer

These are perfect for your tailgates and parties.  Make sure to make plenty and grab one for yourself because they will go fast.

Prep time: 35 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 60 minutes | Servings: 12

Ingredients

1 King Hawaiian Rolls, 12 count
1 pound(s) of Black Forest ham, shaved
12 Gruyere cheese, sliced
1/2 tbsp. of dried onion flakes
1 tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup(s) of butter, melted
1/4 cup(s) of Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Philadelphia Chive and Onion Cream Cheese

Instructions

Cut all 12 rolls in half. Place roll bottoms in 9×13 pan.
Place equal amounts of ham on each roll bottom. Top with a slice of Gruyere.
On each of the roll tops spread a generous amount of the Philadelphia chive and onion cream cheese. Return the tops to the bottoms…making a sandwich.
In a separate bowl mix together the butter, worcestershire sauce, onion flakes and Parmesan cheese. Pour over your sandwiches and let it sit for at least 20 minutes (you can make these ahead of time and allow to sit in fridge overnight).
Place sandwiches, covered in foil, into a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Enjoy!

Mandy Heaston’s Asparagus & Parmesan Cream Pastry Side Dish

If you need a side dish, this Asparagus & Parmesan Cream Pastry is a quick, easy, and elegant tart.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients

8 ounce(s) of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough
1/2 cup(s) of grated parmesan cheese
3 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice
5 basil leaves, chopped
1 pound(s) of fresh asparagus (16 spears)
1 pinch of sea salt
2 tbsp. of olive oil
2 tbsp. of shaved parmesan cheese
1 nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Remove pastry dough from freezer and let thaw for 10 minutes.
While dough is thawing, wash and trim asparagus so it is 1
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, grated parmesan, chopped basil leaves, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Spread dough onto a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cut into four equal rectangles and spread apart slightly on sheet.
Spread cream cheese mixture onto each of the pastry rectangles, not quite to each edge.
Press four asparagus spears onto each rectangle, alternating direction.
Sprinkle pastries with a pinch of sea salt and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake at 400 degrees for 18-22 minutes until pastries are golden brown.
Remove from oven, slice each pastry in half and transfer to serving platter.
Garnish with a sprinkle of shaved parmesan cheese and serve.

Sheila Cutchlow’s Joy Bundles & Rice Entree

Great for both kids and adults, these Joy Bundles & Rice are a great combination.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

8 ounce(s) of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
4 Chicken breasts, cut in half width wise
1/2 cup(s) of Spring Onion, chopped
1 tsp. of Tarragon, finely chopped
8 Turkey Bacon slices
2 cup(s) of Rice Pilaf (10 minute variety)
2 1/4 cup(s) of Chicken Broth
3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
4 tbsp. of Butter
3 tbsp. of Fresh Dill, chopped
4 tbsp. of Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tsp. of lemon zest
1 pinch of Salt & Pepper to taste
1 tbsp. of Parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter
Season the 8 chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
Arrange in a row so that you can add the filling and have space to roll!
Cream together the Philadelphia Cream Cheese, spring onion, tarragon.
Spread equal amounts of the Philadelphia Cream Cheese filling on the chicken breasts.
Starting at the smaller end, roll each gently, toward the wider end, until closed.
Wrap each with a slice of bacon.
Place in ungreased baking dish and brush the tops with melted butter.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees for 20 – 25 minutes, on the middle rack of the oven.
After 20 – 25 minutes, uncover and let brown under broiler for 5 – 7 minutes more. It will get a light brown kiss from the additional heat.
While your chicken is baking, prepare rice by bringing the chicken broth, rice and garlic to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
Remove rice from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice and dill. Set aside.
Place rice on a serving platter, and position each bundle down the center.
Generously ladle the delicious pan juices down the center of the Bundles.
Sprinkle with parsley.

KC Quaretti-Lee’s French Apple Cake Dessert

This is a traditional cake but with a delicious Philadelphia Cream Cheese twist.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup(s) of Sugar
4 tsp. of Water
1/2 Lemon
6 Apples
3 Eggs
1 cup(s) of Flour
8 ounce(s) of Butter
4 ounce(s) of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
3 Optional Ingredients
8 ounce(s) of Nuts and Honey Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 cup(s) of Whipping Cream
1/4 cup(s) of Powdered Sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350
Prepare a caramel: heat 3/4 cup sugar with 4 teaspoons water. when the sugar becomes light brown add the juice of 1/2 lemon and remove from heat
Coat the bottom and sides of a spring form pan with the caramel.
Peel, core and thinly slice the apples and arrange in an attractive circular overlapping overlaping pattern on the caramel.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with 3/4 cup sugar.
Add the flour, butter and Philadelphia Cream Cheese and continue beating until you have a creamy batter.
Pour over apples and caramel and bake for 35 minutes
Let cool slightly prior to turning over onto a decorative cake plate.
Optional: While cake is baking beat Nuts and Honey Philadelphia Cream Cheese until fluffy. Beat whipping cream until fluffy and then add 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Gently fold the whipped Philadelphia Cream Cheese into the Whipped Cream and chill well using the freezer if necessary. Top the warm cake slices with a spoonful of Philadelphia Cream Cheese/whipped Cream mixture and enjoy!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When looking through recipes, there is a good chance you’ll run across an herb as an ingredient.  Are you familiar with the types of herbs and the best dishes to use them?  We have the answers for you. 

Tarragon
This aromatic herb, with narrow, pointed, dark green leaves, is known for its distinctive anise-like flavor. Use to flavor vinegars, herbal butter, shellfish, mayonnaise, sour cream dressing, poultry, turkey, mushrooms, broccoli, and rice. Use the fresh leaves in salads, tartar sauce, and French dressing.

Rosemary
Rosemary’s silver-green, needle-shaped leaves are highly aromatic and their flavor is one of both lemon and pine. Use for poultry, lamb, veal, pork, and tomato dishes, stews, soups, and vegetables. Also good finely chopped in breads and custards

Basil
Fresh basil has a pungent flavor that is very common and popular. Use it in tomato sauces, pesto sauces, vinegar, and with lamb, fish, poultry, pasta, rice, tomatoes and Italian dishes.

Dill
This tangy and pungent flavored herb is known for its feathery green leaves. Use to flavor fish and rice, sprinkle over potatoes and cucumbers and add to sauces and dips.

For more herb tips visit KraftFoods.com.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Live Event coverage starts tonight at 8pm ET / 7 pm CT / 5 pm PT.  Visit www.PaulaDeen.com/RWOPLive and watch the competition unfold as the four winners are named!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Live Event is just 2 days away. Make a party out of it and host a viewing party. Visit www.PaulaDeen.com/RWOPLive to watch all the action and cheer on your favorite finalist or recipe as they compete for a chance at $25,000!  Congratulations to the 16 finalist: 

Jacqui Nicholson
Side Dish: Swiss Chard Au Gratin

Cathy Hazzard
Side Dish: Shrimp Corn Chowder

Annette Gladys
Appetizer: Philly Stuffed Mushrooms

April Slayden
Entree: Blue Peach Pizza

Cynthia Price
Entree: Tantalizing Talapia

Sheila Cutchlow
Entree: Joy Bundles & Rice

Laura Vitale
Dessert: Super Quick Butterscotch Cannoli Recipe

Lindsay Rudolph
Dessert: Oatmeal-Apple Cream Pies

Mandy Heaston
Side Dish: Asparagus & Parmesan Cream Pastry

Ann L. Miller-Tobin
Side Dish: Roasted Tomato & Pepper Soup with Pesto Cream Cheese Schmutz

Stacey Shields
Appetizer: Breakfast Empanadas with Chipotle Cream

Caryn Ross
Appetizer: Sassy Tailgate Sandwiches

Suzanne Clark
Entree: Delicious!

Lenore Nolan-Ryan
Entree: Salmon Wrapped in Pastry with Philly Cucumber Sauce

KC Quaretti-Lee
Dessert: French Apple Cake

Debbie Fabre
Dessert: Mounds of Whipped Pie

Good luck ladies!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The highly anticipated nationwide search for the four winners in the Real Women of Philadelphia competiont is just a few days away. Make sure you mark your calendar and visit PaulaDeen.com/rwop on Wednesday, June 30 @ 8pm EDT. Bookmark the page – you don’t want to miss it!  www.Pauladeen.com/rwop