Love My Philly

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*

Substitute chopped fresh basil leaves or 2 tsp. dill weed for the chopped fresh dill. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers. Serve as a cold potato salad, stirring in a small amount of additional milk to thin, if necessary.

2-1/2 lb. new red potatoes, quartered
1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
1/4 cup milk
1 green pepper, chopped
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill

PLACE potatoes in large saucepan. Add enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; simmer 15 min. or until potatoes are tender. Drain.

MEANWHILE, mix cream cheese spread, milk and green pepper in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 40 to 50 sec. or until cream cheese spread is melted; stir until well blended. Stir in dill.

ADD potatoes; toss to coat.

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

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.

I’m a southern girl at heart, and while I enjoy the sun, sand, and surf that California has to offer, sometimes I miss the hospitality that us Southerners are known for. But what I miss even more than that is the food. When I start to feel a little homesick, I whip up my favorite Southern dishes and make sure to add plenty of Philly.

A southern dessert just isn’t complete with out peaches. Philly’s Summer Fruit Tart is packed sweet peaches, which always makes me think of home. Chicken and coleslaw is another southern favorite. Add Philly and turn it into a Chicken & Slaw Sandwich with Bell Pepper Relish. This is a great dish to enjoy during hotter days. The most infamous of southern dishes is chicken and dumplings. Slow cook it with Philly Chive and Onion Cream Cheese and you’ve got Slow-Cooked Chicken & Dumplings that are to die for. No meal is complete without at heaping helping of creamy mashed potatoes on the side. Use Philly to whip up Mashed Potato Magic. Of course, no mention of southern dishes is quite right without the inclusion of sweet potatoes. Add Philly and you’ve got yourself a real Sweet Potato Pie.

Next time you’re making a meal grab the Philly and any one of these recipes and offer up some southern comfort to the ones you love. They’ll be much obliged to repay you for your kindness.

Use Chive and Onion Cream Cheese for extra flavor. You can make this delectable side dish ahead of time then place in microwavable serving dish. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, uncover and microwave on HIGH 4 to 5 min. or until heated through, stirring after 2 min.
1 medium head of cauliflower (2 lb.), cut into florets
3 Tbsp. PHILADELPHIA Light Cream Cheese Spread
1/2 tsp. dill weed
3 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

COOK cauliflower in boiling water 10 min. or until tender; drain. Place in food processor container.

ADD cream cheese spread and dill weed; cover. Process until smooth.

SERVE topped with Parmesan cheese.

The 4th of July is the best summer holiday. It’s early enough in the season so it’s not too hot to enjoy the day and you know you’ll see some great fireworks shows, wherever you are. What could make the day any better? A table full of 4th of July foods, all infused with Philly.

If you’re playing hostess for the day start your guests off with the perfect Philly appetizer. Grand Old Flag Cheese Spread is a great way to start things off. It’s creamy, filling, and best served with chips or crackers. Your guests and family can enjoy it while catching up and having fun. Another great Philly recipe is their Blue Cheese-Horseradish Sauce. It serves as an excellent topper for all the meat you’ll be serving up. Prepare it ahead of time and give it time to chill. Everyone will be clamoring to top their burgers with this sauce, it’s especially good when paired with a smoked beef brisket. Whatever you serve as your main 4th of July dish, you can give it an extra bit of flavor and class by adding a side of New Potatoes in Dill Cream Sauce. And of course, no holiday dinner is complete without a great dessert. Serve up an infamous Fourth of July Cheesecake.

This menu will leave your friends and family full and happy. And why wouldn’t they be? A belly full of Philly would make anyone’s holiday better. Enjoy all these 4th of July dishes and have a happy, fun, and safe one.

Spice up this creamy delicious side dish by stirring in a dash or two of hot sauce.

2 oz. (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
2 Tbsp. milk
1 can (14-3/4 oz.) cream-style corn
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/3 cup sliced green onions

COOK cream cheese and milk in medium saucepan on medium heat until cream cheese is melted, stirring frequently.

ADD cream-style and thawed frozen corn; stir. Cook 4 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

SPOON into serving dish; sprinkle with Cheddar cheese and onions.

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.