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.

This delicious wrap is great for those on a low-carb diet and great for being on the go. A tasty tip: Try popping in the microwave for a few seconds so the cheese melts, then add the lettuce and tomato. Yummy!

This simple recipe is great for an easy lunch or a quick snack. Also great for the vegetarians out there who enjoy BOCA!

Substitute 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach; frozen cauliflower florets, chopped; or frozen asparagus spears, chopped; for the broccoli. Serve with a turkey sandwich. Add crushed red pepper to taste.

1/4 cup chopped onions
1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped broccoli, cooked, drained
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. pepper

COOK and stir onions in butter in 2-qt. saucepan on medium-high heat until onions are crisp-tender. Blend in flour. Reduce heat to medium.

ADD milk and cream cheese; cook until cream cheese is melted, stirring frequently.

STIR in remaining ingredients; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally

4^th of July came and went, and took my girlish figure with it. With many more days of summer looming ahead of me it looks like I’m back to dieting, which means all the Philly Cream Cheese I can eat! No your eyes do not deceive you, cream cheese is actually a diet friendly food. It contains 25% less saturated fat than regular butter and is perfect for a low carb diet and what Philly lacks in fat and carbs, it makes up for in taste!

You can jump start your morning with a Philly Fruity Bagel. Use a wheat bagel so you can get even more whole grains. Then in the afternoon keep your stomach from growling by noshing on Cream Cheese Crunchers. The peanut butter is a great source of protein and offers fats that are good for you. When you get home serve up Tomato Bisque for a quick and filling meal.

While I wouldn’t suggest keeping Philly in your gym bag (it might spoil) I would definitely suggest keeping it in the fridge. It’s perfect for anytime of day to keep on target with your weight loss goals and is a great way to get your dairy fix, if you’re like me and hate milk. Philly to help keep your nutrition on track, who’d have thought it?

Serve with a crisp green salad. For a variation, prepare using Shaved Beef Salami and substituting Manchego cheese for the Swiss cheese.

2 slices French or Italian bread (1 inch thick)
2 Tbsp. PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
12 slices OSCAR MAYER Shaved Virginia Brand Ham
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Swiss Cheese

HEAT broiler. Broil bread, 2 to 3 inches from heat, 30 sec. or until toasted. Turn over.

SPREAD bread with cream cheese spread; cover with ham and Swiss cheese.

BROIL 30 sec. or until cheese is melted.

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.

Simple and very tasty. Delectable when served with grilled cheese sandwich!

1  can  (10-3/4 oz.)  condensed tomato soup
1 soup can water
3 oz. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed

HEAT soup on top of stove as directed on label with water.
WHISK in cream cheese until completely melted. Sprinkle with black pepper, if desired.

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.

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