Cream Cheese- A Versatile Ingredient for Modern Cooking
In the world of culinary delights, cream cheese often plays a crucial role in enhancing various recipes with its texture and delicate flavor, it seamlessly blends into dishes adding richness and depth. From cheesecakes to frostings, savory dips and even as a gourmet bagel spread, this mild tasting cheese made from milk and cream has gained popularity worldwide including in India where it brings a Western twist to traditional cuisine.
Tips for Storing and Handling Cream Cheese
To maintain the quality and flavor of cream cheese, storage and handling are essential. Here are few important tips:
- Refrigerate Promptly: It's important to refrigerate cream cheese at or below 40°F (4°C) to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Seal it Properly: Once opened make sure to seal the cream cheese in its packaging or an airtight container. This prevents it from absorbing odors or flavors from foods in the refrigerator.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing cream cheese can alter its texture. Makes it crumbly when thawed. Hence, it's best to avoid freezing it.
- Ensure your utensils are clean: Always use a clean knife or spreader to prevent cross contamination.
- Portion Control: If you only need a small amount, scoop out the required quantity instead of thawing the entire block.
- Keep an eye on shelf life: Pay attention to the expiration date and make sure to use the cream cheese within ten days of opening.
- Let it reach room temperature for spreadability: For recipes that call for a spreadable consistency, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before using it.
- Handle with care: When incorporating cream cheese into recipes, handle it gently to preserve its texture.
Recipes Utilizing Cream Cheese
Recipe 1: Classic Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 cups room temperature cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter, then press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, blend together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add one egg at a time followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Pour mixture over crust and bake for 55 minutes.
- Allow to cool and refrigerate overnight.
Helpful Tip:
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix to avoid cracks.
Recipe 2: Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 1 cup of softened cream cheese
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bread loaf. Evenly spread a mixture of cream cheese, minced garlic and chopped parsley on each slice.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in pre-heated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until brown.
Helpful tip:
- Ensure that you spread a layer of cream cheese mixture on each slice for flavor throughout.
Recipe 3: Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of spinach
- 1 cup of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take the chicken breasts. Gently flatten them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides, with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, softened cream cheese and grated mozzarella. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Take each flattened chicken breast. Spread an amount of the spinach and cheese mixture on one side. Carefully fold the chicken over to enclose the filling.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts onto a baking sheet or dish making sure they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked remove from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips: To ensure that your filling stays intact during baking, you can secure each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks before placing them in the oven.
In conclusion
Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes alike. Properly storing and handling cream cheese will help maintain its quality and flavor allowing it to elevate any recipe it is used in to new heights. Whether, you're indulging in a cheesecake or experimenting with spreads like this Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe, you'll find that cream cheese adds a delightful touch to your culinary creations!