Quick And Easy Recipe Ideas Using Cream Cheese

                                                                                         

If you're a cream cheese lover then you'll want to know how to incorporate it into every meal and snack of the day. Here's a few ideas to try out:

Breakfast

Spread fruit toast with light cream cheese; top with fruit.

Spread 2 slices of bread with light cream cheese spread. Top one bread with 1/2 banana, sliced and the other bread with raisins. Close together to make a breakfast sandwich you'll remember.

Cut apple into slices; remove and discard core. Spread with light cream cheese; sprinkle liberally with your favourite cereal, chopped nuts, or raisins. Yum!

Appetisers

For quick and easy appetizer nibblers, spread cream cheese on flour tortillas. Top with desired sliced deli or cooked meats and vegetables; roll tightly. Slice on the diagonal.

Spread cream cheese on water crackers, toasted pumpernickel or dark rye rounds. Sprinkle with chopped dill or chives; top with smoked salmon. Works a treat!

Try mixing together 1/2 cup cream cheese with 1 grated carrot and 1/4 cup dried cranberries – or maybe give some dried fruit a try? Fill stalks of celery with mixture; cut into bite-size pieces.

Dips

Tuna and Salsa Dip:
Combine 1 pkg (250g) cream cheese with 1/2 cup tuna, or perhaps some prawns, 1/4 cup salsa, and 2 Tbsp. chopped coriander. Serve with crackers, doubt you'll regret it.

Tuscan Dip:
Blend 1 pkg (250g) cream cheese, softened, with 2 Tbsp. sour cream. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, 1/2 cup chopped black pitted olives, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onions. Glass of Chianti optional.

Dill Sauce/Dip:
Ready? Place 1 sliced green onion, 1 garlic clove, and 1 Tbsp. fresh dill in food processor; process until finely chopped. Add 1 pkg. (250 g) cream cheese, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and a pinch of salt; process until smooth. Spoon over grilled vegetables, or place in a bowl for dipping. Hey presto, you're a domestic goddess (or god, as the case may be!)

Snacks/Sandwiches

Fruit and Nut Bites:
Try topping crackers with cream cheese and jam (strawberry's good!); sprinkle with a few toasted sliced almonds. Works for me!

Croque Monsieur (AKA Fancy Toasted Sandwich):
Spread 1 Tbsp. of cream cheese on a toasted thick slice of crusty bread. Top with sliced ham and shredded cheese; grill until cheese (or partner's heart) is melted.

Party Cheese Ball:
Blend 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese with 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened. If you like, add 1 Tbsp. port wine. Wrap in a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate about an hour or so before unwrapping. Roll in paprika or very finely chopped toasted nuts. How's that for a block party? Sorry, couldn't resist.

Try this: spread flour tortilla with cream cheese. Sprinkle with grated carrot and a few raisins. Roll up tightly, cut in half, and devour!

About the author:
Find quick easy dinner recipes at the philadelphia cream cheese recipe site. There's even a dessert recipes section if you have enough time.


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com