Love My Philly

The French are known for their food. They understand that food is supposed to be an indulgence of the senses and it’s showcased in recipes that call for carbs and cream. Try these recipes that showcase some of the best French staples, infused with Philly, of course.

Oven-Baked French Toast with Cranberry-Maple Sauce
This is the staple French breakfast. French toast is probably the best thing the French have ever given us, oh yeah that and the Statue of Liberty. You can’t eat Lady Liberty but you can definitely eat this French Toast.

“Croque Monsieur”
What does that mean? I don’t know, but I’d put my money on it being the French way of saying “fancy sandwich.” Toasted French bread, Philly, ham and cheese; I don’t think a sandwich has ever sounded so good.

French Vanilla Tiramisu
Go with me on this one, okay. Yes, Tiramisu is an Italian dish. But adding French vanilla to the mix waters down its Italian roots. Besides, once you taste it you won’t much care where it came from, you’ll be too busy licking your plate clean.

Hot Beef Dip
This appetizer is a hearty dip served with French bread cubes. For some reason it reminds me of a very cheesy version of French onion soup mixed with an Au Jus sandwich.

Cream Crepes
Anyone order a rich creamy pastry for breakfast? That’s exactly what you’re in store for with this recipe. Fold your crepes, or roll them for a more traditional French presentation.

My love for Philly runs deep. These recipes, much like the layers of my love, build upon each other to create something wonderful. See how to layer Philly with the things you love and watch your love for cream cheese grow.

Layer-after-Layer Lemon Pie
Layer strawberry jam, Cool Whip, and lemon custard over a graham cracker crust to create this delightful Philly summery treat.

Philadelphia Mexican Dip
Cream cheese is the perfect substitute for sour cream. Why? I don’t know, it just is. Make a Mexican layered dip, with Philly, for your next fiesta and have everyone shouting, “Ole!”

Layered Fruit Dessert
Think, a trifle but made entirely of fruit and add Philly. Then you’d be on the right track with this dessert.

French Vanilla Tiramisu
Enjoy a serving of this rich and indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions. It’s sure to be a hit with family and guests alike.

Seven Point Spread
Each bite of this spread goes a long way in flavor. And for all the taste with less fat, try these substitutions. Prepare as directed, using PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese; KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Four Cheese Mexican Style Cheese; and BREAKSTONE’S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream.

Philly goes with lots of things, especially bagels. But take that thought and run with it. If Philly tastes great with a plain ol’ bagel, imagine what else it could do. Take your “plain ol’” bread to “OMG” bread! Philly and bread make quite a pair. Try out these 5 recipes, and relish how Philly brings out the best in bread.

Stuffed French Toast
French Toast is the ultimate breakfast food, but add ham and Philly to the mix and you turn the ultimate breakfast dish into something that words can’t even begin to describe. One bite of this and you’ll sit in silence while your tastebuds pay homage to the wonderful flavors taking over your mouth.

Favorite Banana Bread
Who doesn’t love banana bread? I don’t like bananas or nuts but put them in a yummy bread and I can’t resist. Of course, with the addition of Philly into this classic recipe it will be everyone’s favorite!

Garlic Breadsticks
The more garlic and cheese with my breadsticks, the better.These breadsticks only take a combined total of 20 minutes to prepare and cook. When you pull them out of the oven be ready to serve up this warm cheesy bread with your favorite pasta dish.

Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread
Think of mini cinnamon rolls, then make that thought take the shape of a bunt cake and you’ll start to be on the right track. This ooey gooey dessert will be gone in no time, aptly titled, your friends and family will work themselves into a frenzy pulling this dish apart.

Easy-Bake Cheddar Biscuits
Cheddar biscuits…just the mention of them makes me my mouth start to water. Try this Philly recipe for biscuits that are light, fluffy and full of creamy cheese flavor. Mmm, biscuits *drool*

Blend the creamy goodness with the zing of lime flavor and you are in for quite a treat. End your day with a slice of this twist in the mundane, and renew you love in fruit flavored cheesecake.

Prep Time:
20 min

Total Time:
4 hr 40 min

Makes:
12 servings

Right now I am dieting, so of course I’m craving all the things that I shouldn’t be eating. Thankfully, one of those things is not Philly. But I do have chocolate on the brain, it’s all I can think about morning, noon, and night. So I had to come up with a recipe that stayed inside the parameters of my dietary guidelines. I managed to come up with this treat. Try it out and satisfy your sweet tooth, without any of the guilt.

Brownie Bottom Mini-Cheesecakes

Brownie
4 squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup flour
1 stick margarine
1-1/2 cups Splenda
1/4 cup non fat milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt

Cheesecake
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Neufchatel 1/3 Less Fat
1/2 cup Knudsen Sour Cream
1/4 cups Splenda
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

24 cupcake paper liners

PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 2 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add 1-1/2 cups of the Splenda; mix well.

ADD 2 eggs, one at a time; mixing on low speed after each adding each one. Add milk and 1 tsp. of vanilla; mix well. Combine flour and salt and gradually add to chocolate mixture; mix after each addition until blended. Pour evenly into cupcake liners. Bake for 25 min.

BEAT cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mix on low speed after each one. Pour over brownie layer in liners.

BAKE 55 min. to 60 min. or until center is almost set. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Let stand at room temperature 30 min. before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge.

There is nothing better than the wonderful taste of a rich, chocolate truffle. The way it melts in your mouth, along with the smooth intense flavors, make your feel as though you’re really indulging. I’ve put together a few of my favorite recipes for truffles that look incredible but are actually very easy to make yourself.

*Tip: The longer they sit in the refrigerator, the better they taste. Great to make ahead for parties and events*

Simply Sensational Truffles

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Easy OREO Truffles

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Chocolate Cream Truffles

I don’t think I know a single person who doesn’t like Asian food. It’s filling and still manages to be light. How they do it, I’ll never know, but rich curries and seafood dishes from the far East are always a delight. Try whipping up a few of this dishes with Philly, and take your family to the other side of the world.

Creamy Curried Pumpkin Soup
Curry, anyone? This wonderful soup takes basic ingredients and blends them together for a dish that’s anything but. Save this creamy spiced pumpkin soup for a cool fall day.

Asian Spread
Water chestnuts and ground ginger give this spread a flavorful twist. Spread it on your morning bagel and wait for the sensation of tastes to take your bagel from mundane to wow.

Curried Chicken Spread
This dip is perfect for any party, with it’s unlikely pairing of ingredients, but one bite is all it will take for your guest to be singing your praises.

Ginger-Pear Cheesecake Cups
You haven’t had a pear until you’ve tasted a real Asian pear. Combine it sweat granulated flavor to the strong kick of ginger and add that to cheesecake. If you’re not drooling yet, you will be.

Crispy Won Tons with Dipping Sauce
Try this staple in Asian cuisine, made with rice wine, ginger root, and sesame seeds. They cook up perfect every time and are perfect for as an Asian themed dinner appetizer.

We all know that cheesecake tastes great when topped with cherries or strawberries, especially when that cheesecake is made with Philly. But there are more than a few fruit variations to incorporate into your Philadelphia Cream Cheese infused cheesecakes, and we’re going to count ‘em down. Give your normal fruit flavors a rest and get a load of these top 5 fruit cheesecakes.

Amaretto Berry Cheesecake
Before you start pulling those strawberries off your cheesecake, try this idea instead. Add a few blueberries and raspberries on top and swirl in a splash of Amaretto. Presto change-o, you’ve just updated a classic.

Luscious Lemon Cheesecake
Add the crisp taste of lemon to your cheesecake; top with lemon zest and wake up your tastebuds with a refreshing zing.

Triple Citrus Cheesecake
This one is the ultimate triple threat of fruit cheesecakes. Blend lemon, lime, and orange flavors for the perfect medley to capture the taste of summer. Dress this cheesecake with zest from all three of it’s flavors and wait to be cut up in a current of citrusy goodness.

Low-Fat Tropical Dream Cheesecake
Aptly titled, tropical dreams is exactly what each bite of this cheesecake conjures up. Adorned with kiwi and pineapple, close your eyes and let this dessert take you away to warm beaches and summer breezes.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake
You can’t lose when you take the flavor of America’s favorite pie and mix it with America’s favorite cream cheese. To add even more flavor to this cheesecake creation, place a few apple slices atop this delightful dessert.