Love My Philly

Hey everyone, the PHILLY folks sent me over these “Gratuity Coupons” to share with the LoveMyPhilly blog readers! The coupons are good for “One Free PHILADELPHIA Original Brick or Regular Soft Cream Cheese” up to $4.99 exp. 3.31.09. These coupons are only valid in the U.S.

I’m going to be giving them away by holding giveaways.
Our giveaway this week is:

Tell us what your favorite PHILLY recipe is to serve for quick and casual gatherings!

Send your response with a reason why, your name, and please send your mailing address (so I can send you the coupon) to:

lovemyphilly@gmail.com

The first 50 people who respond will receive a free coupon in the mail!

Stuff your face and your belly with these scrumptious stuffed recipes from Philadelphia cream cheese. Each of these savory and sweet dishes has a creamy, dreamy Philly cream cheese filling that is sure to make your mouth water.

• Crabmeat-Stuffed Mushrooms: Fresh, plump, and airy mushrooms are de-stemmed and stuffed with a crave-worthy mixture of rich lump crab meat, sliced green onion, buttery bread crumbs, and you guessed it original Philly cream cheese. These are great for parties or special occasions, but just as good for a special snack. Treat yourself with a nice glass of wine and these delicious stuffed-mushrooms straight from the oven.

• Cinnamon strawberry stuffed French toast: This may sound like a calorie over-load, but in fact this variation is generally more nutritious, and cuts some calories. It’s made with fat-free milk, light Philadelphia cream cheese (you could also use fat-free), whole wheat bread, and fresh strawberries. You could even take it a step-further in the healthier direction by using an egg substitute and honey or sugar-free jam in place of syrup.

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Getting your kids to eat good wholesome and healthy meals can be a little tricky sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be. The most important thing is to make your kids feel as good about what there eating as you do, and an easy way to do that is to make their meals fun! Try themed meals, let them help out, or give each dish a cool quirky name. Make some of the recipes below that use kid-friendly Philadelphia cream cheese, and other yummy and healthy ingredients.

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Until recently I have always looked at rice as being sort of boring, bland and usually only ate it with soy sauce and Chinese take-out. Well not anymore, I have finally realized that there is way more to rice than being a bed for my sweet and sour chicken to lie on. There are some great recipes where rice is the main dish, the main event if you will. Here are just a few great rice dishes using Philadelphia cream cheese that will have you looking at rice in a whole new light.

• Creamy Rice, Chicken, and Spinach Dinner: Talk about a dish with tons of flavor! This is one rice dish that will fill you up and leave you with a smile on your face. Use fresh baby spinach, boneless-skinless chicken (or turkey) breasts, brown rice, and mix it all up with Italian dressing, grated parmesan cheese, and Philly Neufchatel cheese. It’s tasty and you make it all in one big skillet or Dutch oven.

• Creamy Lemon-Asparagus Risotto: This is a great side dish, but I have also made as a main dish with a side salad. Risotto is generally richer than people expect, so you could serve it as a side to some nice oven roasted chicken or turkey, or eat it on its own. The grated lemon peel and fresh squeezed juice give the dish that added color and nice citrus taste. A great meal to impress that special someone with!

• Cheesy Shrimp and Rice: Large cooked prawns, fresh broccoli florets, and Philadelphia cream cheese, combined with jasmine rice comprise this creamy dish. My husband loves it with crumbled pieces of bacon and a little chili pepper for an added kick.

When you’re in a rush and company is coming over, these bite-sized snacks are the perfect rescue to your food fixings. Any of the following recipes work for any occasion, whether it’s just for you, or for your kids and all their friends. Each recipe is quick, easy to make, and simply delicious.

• Bruchetta Bites: This is a great and low-fat recipe that will tantalize your taste buds. Dice up some fresh tomatoes and green onion and mix it up with some fat free zesty Italian dressing. Then spread a little Philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese on to a whole grain cracker and top with the tomato mixture!

• Cranberry, Blueberry, or Creamy Apple Cracker Bites: Take your favorite cracker, whether it is buttery like a Ritz or sweet like a graham cracker, and top it with a little Philadelphia cream cheese. Then place your favorite fruit on top! You can use dried fruit like cranberries, apricots, and nuts, or fresh blueberries, strawberries, or apple slices. Mix it up by sprinkling some cinnamon or honey on top too.

• Mini Shrimp Cocktail Bites: These are great for entertaining, because they look just as good as they taste. Use Ritz crackers, and top with original Philly, a little cocktail sauce, and one large cooked shrimp. Garnish with some chopped scallions, and set on a cool nautical themed platter.

• Cream Cheese ‘n Herb Cucumber Bites: For a refreshing bite, sink your teeth into the crisp and clean taste of these cucumbers. Each piece is topped with Philadelphia chive and onion spread and some shredded carrot. Shredded red bell pepper or radish is a good alternative to the carrots too!

We are officially in the midst of summer, and as the temperatures continue to rise, it’s time to celebrate all foods that fill us up with out over loading us. Skip the greasy heavy foods, and try some of the lightest, fluffiest, and most refreshing recipes that Philly has to offer.

• Creamy Sweet Whipped Carrots: Mash Potatoes are good, but have you tried whipped carrots yet? It’s almost like eating whipped sweet potatoes, both are similar in the fact that they are sweet, but these carrots are truly a treat. Whipped to fluffy perfection, with fat free Philly and a little milk, these carrots are good light in calories and in taste.
• Cool Veggie Pizza: During the hot summer months it’s nice to have something cool and light for lunch and dinner. Try this cold veggie pizza. Use a crescent roll as your crust, Philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese, for your sauce and your favorite summer veggies for toppings. It will fill you up without weighing you down.
• Whipped Feta Spread with Walnuts: Nothing says light and fluffy like a little feta, whipped up into a delicious spread using Philadelphia cream cheese and some chopped walnuts. Goes great with crackers or toast.

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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.

4 swordfish steaks (1 lb.)
2 Tbsp. oil
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 leek, cut into 1-inch strips
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
3 Tbsp. dry white wine
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

PREHEAT greased grill to high heat. Brush fish with oil.

GRILL fish 3 to 4 min. on each side or until fish flakes easily with fork.

MEANWHILE, melt butter in medium skillet on medium heat. Add leeks; cook and stir until tender. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, wine, milk, parsley and seasonings; cook until cream cheese is completely melted, stirring frequently. Spoon over fish.