A Family Tradition. Review on Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Every Sunday evening after church, my aunts, uncles, cousins , brother, mom and dad would go over to my grandma's house for a Sunday evening snack. Which would contain celery sticks, all kinds of crackers, different kinds of breads, and the spread of course was Philadelphia cream cheese.

When my husband and I started a family, every Sunday evening we would go over to my mother's house for the Philadelphia cream cheese tradition. Now it's my turn, with my children, their wives and husbands, and grandchildren. I have even added a dessert make with Philadelphia cream cheese, like a cheese cake. Also, dip for dipping or cheese spread for spreading.

Here is one of my favorite cheese spread

Grand Old Flag Cheese Spread

Ingredients

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened

1/4 cup Cheddar & Monterey Jack Mexican Style Shredded Cheese

2 Tbsp. sliced black olives

1/4 cup Thick 'N Chunky Salsa

Ritz crackers, Original or Cheese

Preparation

PLACE cream cheese between 2 pieces of wax paper. Roll out to 6X4-inch rectangle with rolling pin. Remove top sheet of wax paper; coat top and sides of cream cheese with shredded cheese. Invert onto serving plate. Remove wax paper.

ARRANGE 5 rows of olives in top left corner of short side of cream cheese rectangle for ''stars.'' Make 4 (1/4-inch deep) rows, using rounded end of 1/4 tsp. measuring spoon for ''stripes,'' leaving 1/4-inch space between rows. Fill rows with salsa. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

SERVE as a spread with crackers.

Prep Time: 15 min

Total Time: 15 min

Serves: 12

When I am getting ready for my family to arrived, as I am sitting the table and preparing the food, I remember my dear, dear grammy, and how she looked forward to Sunday evening.

I have tried other brands of cream cheese, but they didn't teast or spread as good as Philadelphia cream cheese.

Tips:

Soften Cream Cheese: Place 1 completely unwrapped package of cream cheese on microwavable plate. Microwave on HIGH 15 seconds. Add 15 seconds for each additional package of cream cheese.

Do not freeze cheese that will be used for spreading due to a possible change in its texture; it may become curdled in appearance and have a crumbly texture. Regular brick cream cheese can be frozen up to 2 months for use as an ingredient in recipes.