5 Ideas for...CREAM CHEESE

It's usually found spread on hot crusty bread or on top of a cracker. Whip up something different the next time friends are dropping by with these easy- to - make recipes:

1.  Quick White Cheese Sauce in a saucepan, melt 1 cup softened cream cheese in 1 cup milk over low heat, whisking to prevent scorching. Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Season wiht salt and ground white pepper to taste. Serve tossed with cooked pasta and steamed vegetables. Makes about 2 cups.
2. Three-Cheese Pesto Dip in large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup bar of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup cream, 1 tablespoon of prepared pesto, 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup grated cheese. Season with salt, and ground white pepper to taste. Chill. Serve with vegetable sticks and potato chips. Makes about 1 cup of dip
3. Tuna Cheese Balls in a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup softened cream cheese, 1 can drained tuna chunks, 2 teaspoons finely minced onion, 1 teaspoon chopped parsely, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper. Chill until hardened. Form into balls then roll in 1 cup crushed herb-flavored crackers. Chill until needed. Makes 24 balls.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting in a mixing bowl, cream 1 cup softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter. Blend in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, and whisk until fluffy. Blend in food coloring, if desired. Use to frost your favorite cupcakes. Makes about 2 cups frosting.
5. Marbled Brownies in a large bowl, microwave 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup dark chocolate until melted. Stir in 12 large Choc Nut bars, crumbled. Beat in 2 eggs. Blend in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 cup flour. In another bowl, cream 1 cup softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup white sugar. Beat in 1 teaspoon almond extract and 1 egg. Add 1 tablespoon flour. Reserve 1/2 cup of each batter. In a foil-lined 9x9 inch baking pan, spread the chocolate batter, then cream cheese batter. Drop reserved batters alternately by the tablespoon on top. Swirl together. Bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes or until layers are set. Cool completely. Cut into squares. Makes 16 bars.

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