The Power of Cream Cheese

The Power of Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a very versatile ingredient around which you can create simple, delicious food that the whole family will enjoy. I use my coupons to buy cream cheese in what seems like "bulk." As long as you don't open a package of it and put it back in the refrigerator, it should store well in your fridge for a while - just be sure to check the expiration date. I've discovered that freezing cream cheese doesn't work well, so I don't recommend it.

FYI - America's Test Kitchen has rated the KRAFT Philadelphia Cream Cheese as the best - but you can try other brands and judge for yourself.

Here are some easy recipes to try using your favorite brand of cream cheese that would be great to serve at a Super Bowl or any other type of party.........

Taco Spread

• 8 oz. block softened cream cheese
• Salsa - jarred or your own
• tortilla chips or flour tortillas
• tomatoes - chopped
• lettuce - shredded
• any other of your favorite taco toppings

Pour any flavor or heat intensity salsa over 8 oz. block of cream cheese - or onto 4 cut squares of cream cheese. Sprinkle with your favorite taco topping - such as tomatoes, lettuce, etc. Serve with warm tortilla chips or warmed flour tortillas.

Confetti Cheese Balls

• 3 oz. package cream cheese - softened
• 4 oz. cheddar cheese- shredded
• 1/2 cup ripe olives - chopped
• 1/2 cup green peppers - chopped
• 1/4 cup pimento - chopped
• 1/2 cup pecans - chopped
• 1/4 tsp. parsley - minced
• crackers or bread sticks

Beat the cream cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in 2 to 3 tbsp. chopped ripe olives, chopped pimento, and chopped green peppers. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls and roll half in chopped pecans and minced parsley. Serve with crackers or bread sticks.

Hot Pizza Dip

• 8 oz. package cream cheese - softened
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce - your choice
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese - shredded
• soft or hard bread sticks for dipping
• other pizza toppings - your choice

Spread softened cream cheese in a 9-inch pie plate. Top with 1/2 cup pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and other pizza topping of your choice. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with bread sticks.