Cream cheese is a very mild cheese with a slightly tangy taste. Cream cheese can be used in all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You can buy cream cheese in tubs or blocks. There are many flavors of cream cheese from plain to cream cheese that has been flavored with herbs or fruit.

Cream cheese is not aged, so it has a short shelf life once it has been opened. When I buy cream cheese, I try to have a few recipes in mind so that I can use the cream cheese within a week or so of the expiration date. Cream cheese should be discarded if it has mold, smells rancid, or has discoloration.

When you are cooking with cream cheese, do not let the cream cheese boil because it will curdle. Cook on low to medium heat so it does not get too hot.  Cream cheese does not freeze well. The cream cheese separates and the texture changes when it is frozen.

Ham and Broccoli Potato Soup

Ingredients
2 can chicken broth (14 ounces each)
2 cups potatoes diced
1/4 cup onions diced
1 1/2 cups chopped fully cooked ham
2 cups half and half
2 cups small broccoli florets
1 ounce cream cheese, softened, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation
Combine chicken broth, onions, potatoes and ham in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered on low for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Add half and half and broccoli. Continue cooking on low for another 10 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and cayenne pepper. Continue to cook on low until the cheese is melted.  Salt and pepper to taste. Serve while hot.

Smoked Salmon and Vegetable Cream Cheese Bagels

Ingredients
2 bagels
16 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
2-3 tablespoons dry vegetable soup mix
4 slices smoked salmon

Preparation
Set the cream cheese on the counter an hour before serving or soften in the microwave like the Panasonic, Black  NN-H765BF Full-Size 1.6-Cubic-Feet 1250-Watt Microwave Oven .

Place the cream cheese in a bowl and add the dry vegetable soup mix. Mix until well blended.

Cut bagels in half horizontally. Lightly spread the cream cheese mixture onto each half of the bagel. Add a slice of smoked salmon.  Serve.

Tip:
To jazz up your favorite mashed potato recipe, add cream cheese to taste and one finely chopped green onion. You can cut the green part of the green onion with a pair of sharp kitchen scissors.

If you do not like salmon, try cutting up left over ham and putting it in the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle the top with shredded Parmesan cheese. Put under the broiler for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Enjoy!