Love My Philly

It’s definitely not too early to start thinking about Halloween.  Sure, there’s the giant sized bags of candy that you can buy at the grocery store, but you will most certainly want a homemade treat to compliment your jumbo bowl of candy.  When neighbors come over for an extended stay, treat them with some hot chocolate and some of these Halloween inspired treats.

Candy Eyeball Cupcakes-  Cupcakes are the perfect canvas for your spooky decorations.  Create eyeballs with sour apple rings and red decorating gel.

Ghost Cake-  With this cake you have all the convenience of individually portioned cupcakes, cleverly shaped like a ghost cake.  With a box of cake mix and a delicious cream cheese frosting, it’s super easy to throw together!

Ghostly Crackers-  These snacks couldn’t be any easier.  With three simple ingredients you can create frightful cracker snacks that kids and adults will both enjoy!

I try to pack my kitchen with kid friendly foods for when my little nieces and nephews come for their weekend visits.  They come in a whirlwind and leave much the same way.  I love to keep healthy and balanced snacks around because they’re sure to want to keep me company in the kitchen as I get dinner ready.  Once I have them in the kitchen, I love to have them help me by preparing their own healthy snacks.  It’s one less job for me, and it helps them feel responsible for the things that they eat.

Here are three of my favorite kid-in-the-kitchen snacks.

Yummy Stuffed Bears- These are a great treats to get in the kitchen and make with your kids.  Once assembled, they’re great as an afternoon snacks, or family movie night treat.

Ants on a Log-  Are you always looking for a way to trick the little ones into eating their veggies?  Softened cream cheese and plump raisins on fresh celery might be just the ticket.  These are a great after school, pre-homework snack for kids!

Chocolate Cream Cheese Strawberry Snacks-  This is one mighty fine dessert option.  It’s like a mini, quick version of strawberry cheesecake.  Drizzle this snack with chocolate and you’ve got instant heaven!

I thought I was going to be totally inconsolable without gorgeous summer produce to enjoy. With pumpkins filling the markets I can’t help but be inspired. To help pay homage to the beautiful pumpkin and to help usher in Halloween I’m going to make this festive pumpkin cake. All you’ll need is a Bundt pan, a box of any cake mix flavor you enjoy and a quick Philadelphia cream cheese frosting.

Kraft even has a video that shows you how to throw this cake together! It’s perfect for Fall. What are you waiting for!?

Great Pumpkin Cake

I love to celebrate the weekend with a few friends, a dinner out and cocktails. It’s always so lovely to get together with friends for a meal. In my book, there’s nothing better. But when the weekend rolls around, I can’t eat out for every meal. My pocketbook simply won’t allow it. To make sure that I have enough funds to carry me through my weekend dinners with friends, I like to make sure that I prepare some delicious snacks and lunches at home. With just a few simple ingredients from the grocery store and the farmer’s market, I can prepare myself some deliciously healthy snacks that keep me satisfied and won’t break the bank.

Here are a few of my favorite simple weekend lunches and snacks.

Chicken and Slaw Sandwich- I’ll admit, I’m a huge fan of broccoli slaw. I just love the stuff. This recipe uses broccoli slaw on a chicken sandwich to create a super healthy and satisfying lunch.

Turkey Cheese Pockets- A deliciously warm and melty turkey sandwich inside of a fresh baked biscuit. What could be better!?

Mini Florentine Cups- These are a perfect mid afternoon snack and are also great if you’re having a few people over for cocktails before you head out for dinner. This healthy and elegant snack easily translates into a classy appetizer.

Every once in a while you need to spice up office life. I know when the bosses order in food it’s like the office highlight of my week. I’ve taken it upon myself to brighten the days of my coworkers by bringing in treats about once a week. Whether it’s brownies or a homemade coffee cake, bringing in an office treat is a great way too help the week slide by that much faster.

Loaded Baked Potato Dip- This dip is a crowd pleaser and perfect for those office pot lucks!

Earthquake Cake- Great for those office birthday parties. Rick chocolate meets coconut and pecans plus a luscious crackled cream cheese top.

Oreo Crumble- You can never go wrong with Oreos. On top of a vanilla pudding, they’re absolutely perfect.

These little Italian Sandwiches are perfect for a light lunch or an afternoon snack. They’re super versatile and you can use virtually anything you have in your fridge to throw them together. I used cream cheese, sun dried tomato pesto, spinach and spicy salami. Feel free to substitute according to what you have on hand. Go on… make yourself yummy!

Mini Italian Sandwich Snackers

Half a loaf of your favorite bread, sliced thick

4 ounces, (1/2 a brick) Philadelphia Cream Cheese

1 container of your favorite pre made pesto sauce

Handful of fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

10-12 slices of your favorite salami

Toast the slices of bread until lightly browned. Spread with plain cream cheese. Dollop 1- 2 teaspoons of pesto over cream cheese and spread evenly. Top with roughly chopped spinach and one or two salami slices. Enjoy!

I’m totally addicted to the barbecued chicken I made with my crock pot last week. It’s unbelievably easy to throw together and delicious enough to serve a thousand ways. Sure, you can throw it on a bun and call it lunch, but you might also pile it into a flour tortilla with chive and cream cheese spread and fry it up as a quesadilla. Delicious!

Easy Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Chive Spread

• 1-2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 (18 ounce) jar of your favorite barbecue sauce (I love K.C. Masterpiece!)
• 1 medium sweet onion, sliced
• 4-6 tortillas

1. Remove all visible fat from the chicken and toss it in the crock pot.
2. Place the onion slices on top of the chicken.
3. Pour the barbecue sauce over top.
4. You may not need the entire jar, just enough to cover the chicken.
5. Cook it on LOW for 8 hours or until the chicken is nice and tender.
6. Shred the chicken with a fork and knife; scoop the mixture onto a flour tortilla spread with chive and cream cheese spread and try in 1 Tablespoon of oil until browned on both sides. Cool for 3 minutes on cutting board. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

Cream Cheese Chive Spread

4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened

1 Tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Mix chopped chives into softened cream cheese. Spread onto flour tortillas and top with barbecued chicken. Fry in a sautee pan until browned and warm.

I don’t know about you but I never seem to be able to make it all the way to lunch time without having a mid morning snack. I’m always looking for a little something to eat to go with that necessary second cup of coffee around 10 in the morning. Whether it’s sliced apples or a slice of toast or a sweet treat, there are endless options for that mid morning snack.

Creamy Strawberry Snacks- Try this simple cream cheese spread on top of whole wheat crackers. For your health!

Apple and Cheese Snacks- Don’t be intimidated by the whole apple. Feel free to cut your apple into slices and use the creamy cheese as a dip.

Easy Salsa Snacks- I love this salsa and cream cheese combination on Triscuits crackers.

Looking for a quick midnight snack without the hustle and bustle of the preparation? Try one of these tasty treats to fulfill your next midnight craving! It could not be any easier whether you’re half asleep, or restless from staying up with the kids.

PHILADELPHIA Dessert Dip – A quick and easy dip that can be used with anything from cookies to fruits.

Double Berry Cheesecake Bites – Delicious and suiting for that midnight splurge for something sweet.

Two-Minute Tiramisu – In the mood for a Tiramisu but all the stores are closed? Whip up this quick and tasty treat to help satisfy that craving.

Try any one of these delectable treats the next time your in the mood for a quick midnight snack. Now be sure and get some sleep!

A smart snack that’s high in Vitamin A and C; rthis dish can work as a utility appetizer and will appeal to those health nuts looking for a bite of their own.  An awesome alternative to those fried foods that come before the main dish.

Prep Time:
10 min