We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
$10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!

Lou

Lou Decruss wrote:
> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!


I've come to the conclusion you have. First I check the ingredients to
make sure I'm not buying some low-fat attrocity. If the ingredients are
the same, I buy the least expensive brand. That's often the store
brand. I can't tell the difference.


--Lia

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:18:32 -0500, Julia Altshuler
> wrote:

>Lou Decruss wrote:
>> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
>> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
>> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
>> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
>> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
>> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
>> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
>> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
>> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
>> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!
>
>
>I've come to the conclusion you have. First I check the ingredients to
>make sure I'm not buying some low-fat attrocity. If the ingredients are
>the same, I buy the least expensive brand. That's often the store
>brand. I can't tell the difference.

Thanks Julia. It's hard to spend $2.39 when the other one is $.68.

Lou

I suppose if I COULD tell the difference between Philadelphia brand
cream cheese and the store brand, then I'd ask myself which I liked
better and consider if the difference in quality was worth the
difference in price. At this point in my life, I usually think paying
more for the better product is worth it.


--Lia

Julia Altshuler wrote:
>
> I suppose if I COULD tell the difference between Philadelphia brand
> cream cheese and the store brand, then I'd ask myself which I liked
> better and consider if the difference in quality was worth the
> difference in price. At this point in my life, I usually think paying
> more for the better product is worth it.

That may be a good rule to follow, but now that I am on a pension I am a
little more careful about prices. Some of the stores where I shop have good
store brands. We go through a lot of cream cheese so I tried their cream
cheese and I could not detect a difference.

Julia Altshuler wrote:

>
> I've come to the conclusion you have. First I check the ingredients to
> make sure I'm not buying some low-fat attrocity. If the ingredients are
> the same, I buy the least expensive brand. That's often the store
> brand. I can't tell the difference.

I agree almost totally. I look at the price and get the cheapest, unless it
Lactania, and it has to be the real stuff not the low fat. Low fat cream
cheese is not very good.

Dave Smith wrote:
> Julia Altshuler wrote:
>
>> I've come to the conclusion you have. First I check the ingredients to
>> make sure I'm not buying some low-fat attrocity. If the ingredients are
>> the same, I buy the least expensive brand. That's often the store
>> brand. I can't tell the difference.
>
> I agree almost totally. I look at the price and get the cheapest, unless it
> Lactania, and it has to be the real stuff not the low fat. Low fat cream
> cheese is not very good.

I disagree. I find in some uses lower fat products serve their purpose
just as well as the full fat version and I save a few calories to boot!

"Goomba38" wrote

>> has to be the real stuff not the low fat. Low fat cream
>> cheese is not very good.
>
> I disagree. I find in some uses lower fat products serve their purpose
> just as well as the full fat version and I save a few calories to boot!

Yup, but not all take well to that particular lower-fat product. Also,
there are many brands of the same sort of lower-fat 'philly' knockoff and
some taste better to us than others.

If all our tastebuds were identical, there would be but one version of every
recipe. As we all are not the same, multiples exist <g>.

On Dec 22, 9:15�am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
> We use a lot of cream cheese here. �Philadelphia brand is often on
> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. �Last
> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) �Last night it was free with a
> $10 purchase. �But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. �The ingredient lists and
> nutritional facts are almost identical. �We can't tell the difference
> so we buy whatever is cheapest. �One of our friends claims there is a
> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. �Are my
> taste buds fooling me? �Can you tell the difference? �What kind do you
> buy? �Curious minds need to know these things!!
>
> Lou

Maybe it is my active imagination, but sometimes it seems as if it is
NOT Philly cheese, it is not so creamy. Yes , I know there is probably
no logical reason for this, so maybe it is just that I am a victem of
advertising. I usually buy the Philly. Go figure.

Rosie

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 07:26:28 -0800 (PST), rosie >
wrote:

>On Dec 22, 9:15?am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
>> We use a lot of cream cheese here. ?Philadelphia brand is often on
>> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. ?Last
>> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) ?Last night it was free with a
>> $10 purchase. ?But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
>> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. ?The ingredient lists and
>> nutritional facts are almost identical. ?We can't tell the difference
>> so we buy whatever is cheapest. ?One of our friends claims there is a
>> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. ?Are my
>> taste buds fooling me? ?Can you tell the difference? ?What kind do you
>> buy? ?Curious minds need to know these things!!
>>
>> Lou
>
>Maybe it is my active imagination, but sometimes it seems as if it is
>NOT Philly cheese, it is not so creamy. Yes , I know there is probably
>no logical reason for this, so maybe it is just that I am a victem of
>advertising. I usually buy the Philly. Go figure.

The packages I have here are Philly and a brand called Dutch Farms
from Wisconsin. Funny thing is the DF brand has cream listed in the
ingredients. Philly doesn't. Just milk and cheese culture. Our
friend, like you says Philly is creamer also. Maybe I'm getting
better brands here. I dunno.

Lou

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 07:26:28 -0800 (PST), rosie >
wrote:

>On Dec 22, 9:15?am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
>> We use a lot of cream cheese here. ?Philadelphia brand is often on
>> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. ?Last
>> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) ?Last night it was free with a
>> $10 purchase. ?But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
>> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. ?The ingredient lists and
>> nutritional facts are almost identical. ?We can't tell the difference
>> so we buy whatever is cheapest. ?One of our friends claims there is a
>> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. ?Are my
>> taste buds fooling me? ?Can you tell the difference? ?What kind do you
>> buy? ?Curious minds need to know these things!!
>>
>> Lou
>
>Maybe it is my active imagination, but sometimes it seems as if it is
>NOT Philly cheese, it is not so creamy. Yes , I know there is probably
>no logical reason for this, so maybe it is just that I am a victem of
>advertising. I usually buy the Philly. Go figure.
>
>Rosie

it's not something i often buy, but i've found the store brands have
an inferior texture also - gummier. but i don't cook with the stuff
(i find some of the recipes pretty gruesome-sounding) so maybe it
makes no difference in those.

your pal,
blake

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:38:25 GMT, blake murphy >
wrote:

>it's not something i often buy, but i've found the store brands have
>an inferior texture also - gummier. but i don't cook with the stuff
>(i find some of the recipes pretty gruesome-sounding) so maybe it
>makes no difference in those.
>
>your pal,
>blake

I agree with Blake. All of the store brands I've tried have had much
the same texture (slightly gummy) and flavor. It's fine in cheesecake
but it's not my first choice on bagels and crackers. Kraft Philly has
a distinctly more pleasant flavor and better texture---I have
blind-tested and can tell the difference---and as long as it's not too
much more expensive than the store brand, I buy Philly.

Right now our Kroger has Philly for $1 and Kroger brand for 88 cents.

Best -- Terry

"Lou Decruss" > wrote in message
...
> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!
>
> Lou


I buy Philadelphia cream cheese, because it's always there when I want some,
and I've read that it is actually better, but I don't know that. Most of
the time it tastes metallic. I use it seldom and add honey to it when I do,
so it really doesn't make a lot of difference.

The last time I bought it I bought the spreadable that comes in the tub.

I have a big 2 pounder, I think, at bay, for some rugelach (I think). I
always buy it from Costco and don't check prices.
Dee Dee

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:30:51 -0500, "Dee.Dee" >
wrote:

>
>"Lou Decruss" > wrote in message
.. .
>> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
>> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
>> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
>> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
>> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
>> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
>> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
>> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
>> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
>> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!
>>
>> Lou
>
>
>I buy Philadelphia cream cheese, because it's always there when I want some,
>and I've read that it is actually better, but I don't know that. Most of
>the time it tastes metallic. I use it seldom and add honey to it when I do,
>so it really doesn't make a lot of difference.
>
>The last time I bought it I bought the spreadable that comes in the tub.
>
>I have a big 2 pounder, I think, at bay, for some rugelach (I think). I
>always buy it from Costco and don't check prices.

The big one from Costco isn't Philly. But it tastes fine to me.

Lou

"Lou Decruss" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:30:51 -0500, "Dee.Dee" >
> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Lou Decruss" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
>>> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
>>> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
>>> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
>>> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
>>> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
>>> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
>>> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
>>> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
>>> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!
>>>
>>> Lou
>>
>>
>>I buy Philadelphia cream cheese, because it's always there when I want
>>some,
>>and I've read that it is actually better, but I don't know that. Most of
>>the time it tastes metallic. I use it seldom and add honey to it when I
>>do,
>>so it really doesn't make a lot of difference.
>>
>>The last time I bought it I bought the spreadable that comes in the tub.
>>
>>I have a big 2 pounder, I think, at bay, for some rugelach (I think). I
>>always buy it from Costco and don't check prices.
>
> The big one from Costco isn't Philly. But it tastes fine to me.
>
> Lou


Mine in both sizes I mentioned above are Philadelphia cream cheese. I just
looked.
Dee Dee

"Dee.Dee" wrote:
>
>
> I buy Philadelphia cream cheese, because it's always there when I want some,
> and I've read that it is actually better, but I don't know that. Most of
> the time it tastes metallic. I use it seldom and add honey to it when I do,
> so it really doesn't make a lot of difference.

One thing to consider about store brands is that the stores don't make the
stuff. They get it from the major suppliers who just take a run of the
product and package it with the store brand label. There is a good chance
that the store brand cream cheese and the Philadelphia cream cheese were
made in the same place with the same recipe and process. That being said, I
have a hard time accepting that the Kraft version of anything would be the
superior product.

"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...
> "Dee.Dee" wrote:
>>
>>
>> I buy Philadelphia cream cheese, because it's always there when I want
>> some,
>> and I've read that it is actually better, but I don't know that. Most of
>> the time it tastes metallic. I use it seldom and add honey to it when I
>> do,
>> so it really doesn't make a lot of difference.
>
> One thing to consider about store brands is that the stores don't make the
> stuff. They get it from the major suppliers who just take a run of the
> product and package it with the store brand label. There is a good chance
> that the store brand cream cheese and the Philadelphia cream cheese were
> made in the same place with the same recipe and process. That being said,
> I
> have a hard time accepting that the Kraft version of anything would be the
> superior product.


Damn! But I do agree TOTALLY with you about Kraft.
It's a hard item to buy when I see that name there. But until I know what
to buy instead (for certain) -- that's it!
Dee Dee

"Dee.Dee" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Dave Smith" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "Dee.Dee" wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> I buy Philadelphia cream cheese, because it's always there when I want
>>> some,
>>> and I've read that it is actually better, but I don't know that. Most
>>> of
>>> the time it tastes metallic. I use it seldom and add honey to it when I
>>> do,
>>> so it really doesn't make a lot of difference.
>>
>> One thing to consider about store brands is that the stores don't make
>> the
>> stuff. They get it from the major suppliers who just take a run of the
>> product and package it with the store brand label. There is a good
>> chance
>> that the store brand cream cheese and the Philadelphia cream cheese were
>> made in the same place with the same recipe and process. That being said,
>> I
>> have a hard time accepting that the Kraft version of anything would be
>> the
>> superior product.
>
>
> Damn! But I do agree TOTALLY with you about Kraft.
> It's a hard item to buy when I see that name there. But until I know what
> to buy instead (for certain) -- that's it!
> Dee Dee
>


How will you know what to buy unless you try buying it? Don't you trust your
own judgement?

"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...

> That being said, I
> have a hard time accepting that the Kraft version of anything would be the
> superior product.


Why?

"Dave Smith" > wrote

> "Dee.Dee" wrote:

>> I buy Philadelphia cream cheese, because it's always there when I want
>> some,
>> and I've read that it is actually better, but I don't know that. Most of
>> the time it tastes metallic. I use it seldom and add honey to it when I
>> do,
>> so it really doesn't make a lot of difference.
>
> One thing to consider about store brands is that the stores don't make the
> stuff. They get it from the major suppliers who just take a run of the
> product and package it with the store brand label. There is a good chance
> that the store brand cream cheese and the Philadelphia cream cheese were
> made in the same place with the same recipe and process.

That's the problem I have with store brands. What you said ... there is
a good chance. Because there is a good chance their supplier will be
a different brand next month. You never know, and I like consistency.

nancy

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...

> That's the problem I have with store brands. What you said ... there is
> a good chance. Because there is a good chance their supplier will be
> a different brand next month.


No, not really. Not for packaged foods like cream cheese. It's expensive to
switch suppliers for packaged foods.

"JoeSpareBedroom" > wrote

> "Nancy Young" > wrote
....
>> That's the problem I have with store brands. What you said ... there is
>> a good chance. Because there is a good chance their supplier will be
>> a different brand next month.

> No, not really. Not for packaged foods like cream cheese. It's expensive
> to switch suppliers for packaged foods.

That hasn't been my experience at all. I don't buy store brands all
that often and I've found changes in the product regularly. That's why
I'm cautious to bother trying.

nancy

"Lou Decruss" > wrote

> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!

I'm fussy. Other brands don't seem to have the tang, for lack
of a better word, that I prefer in the Philly. It's not so expensive
that I'd bother shopping around. What I won't stand for is the stuff
in the tub. Must be the brick.

nancy

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:41:14 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>
>"Lou Decruss" > wrote
>
>> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
>> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
>> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
>> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
>> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
>> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
>> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
>> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
>> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
>> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!
>
>I'm fussy. Other brands don't seem to have the tang, for lack
>of a better word, that I prefer in the Philly. It's not so expensive
>that I'd bother shopping around. What I won't stand for is the stuff
>in the tub. Must be the brick.

Someone brought some cranberry cream cheese in a tub to a party once.
YUK!! Just say no to tubs. lol Thanks for the response.

lou

"Lou Decruss" > wrote

> On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:41:14 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
> wrote:

>>"Lou Decruss" > wrote

>>> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
>>> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
>>> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
>>> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
>>> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!
>>
>>I'm fussy. Other brands don't seem to have the tang, for lack
>>of a better word, that I prefer in the Philly. It's not so expensive
>>that I'd bother shopping around. What I won't stand for is the stuff
>>in the tub. Must be the brick.
>
> Someone brought some cranberry cream cheese in a tub to a party once.
> YUK!! Just say no to tubs. lol Thanks for the response.

Heh. I really don't want flavorings in my cream cheese, I'll put
my own in there if I want it. As far as the price, I don't have cream
cheese all that often, maybe 4 bricks a year, so I just grab one now
and then for a dollar. It's not worth worrying about in my case.
I don't think I'd pay the 2 something you mentioned, though.

So, here's the thing. Your post is timely for me. I bought 2
packages at Thanksgiving and didn't wind up using them. I
wanted to make cream cheese pies, the kind with sour cream
topping. Anyone have a favorite recipe for something like that?
A graham cracker crust type of thing?

nancy

Nancy Young wrote:
>
> So, here's the thing. Your post is timely for me. I bought 2
> packages at Thanksgiving and didn't wind up using them. I
> wanted to make cream cheese pies, the kind with sour cream
> topping. Anyone have a favorite recipe for something like that?
> A graham cracker crust type of thing?


I'm guessing you're looking for a classic New York cheesecake. I don't
have a favorite recipe for that, but you did make me think of this
recipe for cheesecake squares from the Tasajara Bread Book. --Lia


Ingredients for the crust:


1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup ground walnuts
1/4 cup honey


Mix together with pastry cutter until crumbly. Reserve half cup for
topping. Press into greased 9" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees.


Ingredients for the cheesy part:


8 ounces cream cheese
1 egg
2 Tablespoons milk
grated peel of one lemon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch nutmeg


Mix all together. Pour over crust. Sprinkle reserve over cream cheese
mixture. Bake at 350 degress for another 25 minutes.


Cool before slicing.

CHEESECAKE SQUARES
>
> Ingredients for the crust:
>
>
> 1/3 cup butter
> 1/3 cup brown sugar
> 1 cup whole wheat flour
> 1/2 cup ground walnuts
> 1/4 cup honey
>
>
> Mix together with pastry cutter until crumbly. Reserve half cup for
> topping. Press into greased 9" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees FOR 15 MINUTES.
>
>
> Ingredients for the cheesy part:
>
>
> 8 ounces cream cheese
> 1 egg
> 2 Tablespoons milk
> grated peel of one lemon
> 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
> pinch nutmeg
>
>
> Mix all together. Pour over crust. Sprinkle reserve over cream cheese
> mixture. Bake at 350 degress for another 25 minutes.
>
>
> Cool before slicing.

"Lou Decruss" > wrote in message
...
> But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
> so we buy whatever is cheapest.


Same here. We always have some on hand, It is what is on sale or from BJ's
in bulk. If you watch the cycles, Stop & Shop has it on sale for 99¢ every
few weeks so I grab a couple of packages then.

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:03:13 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" >
wrote:

>
>"Lou Decruss" > wrote in message
.. .
>> But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
>> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
>> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
>> so we buy whatever is cheapest.
>
>
>Same here. We always have some on hand, It is what is on sale or from BJ's
>in bulk. If you watch the cycles, Stop & Shop has it on sale for 99¢ every
>few weeks so I grab a couple of packages then.

I used to buy in bulk, but the newer brands are just as cheap and the
individual cartons are more convenient to use. For me at least.
Thanks for the reply.

Lou

On Dec 22, 10:15 am, Lou Decruss > wrote:
> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!
>
> Lou

My DH agrees with you, that there is no difference. The kidlet, OTOH,
will not eat certain brands, saying they don't taste right. Philly's
on sale here often enough that I can stock up at 99 cents and be done
with it.

maxine in ri

Lou Decruss wrote:
One of our friends claims there is a
> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my
> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you
> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!


Why not do a blind taste test and see if your friend can tell the
difference? I buy name brand usually as that is what the commissary
sells though I bought the Philadelphia brand reduced fat cream cheese
yesterday to make Formaggio al Borsini with because even reduced fat
cream cheese will taste great for that.
I wonder if your friend would notice the difference between a name brand
and no-name brand in something like that?

* Exported from MasterCook *

Formaggio al Borsini

Recipe By :Antonio Gatto Lodge Cookbook, OSOIA, Laurel, Maryland
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 ounces softened cream cheese
1/4 pound softened butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon dill
1/4 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Mix together and chill.
Allow to reach room temp to serve, with crusty Italian bread or crackers.

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:53:32 -0500, Goomba38 >
wrote:

There's too many posts for me to reply to them all. I figured I'd get
a few but not so many and I've got to get back to the real kitchen for
Christmas. Many thanks to you and all that responded. It was
interesting.

>Why not do a blind taste test and see if your friend can tell the
>difference? I buy name brand usually as that is what the commissary
>sells though I bought the Philadelphia brand reduced fat cream cheese
>yesterday to make Formaggio al Borsini with because even reduced fat
>cream cheese will taste great for that.
>I wonder if your friend would notice the difference between a name brand
>and no-name brand in something like that?

I don't think she can tell the difference. She shops at Aldi and gets
frozen chicken breasts from Market day. She's just silly. She's a
great friend though. They were over last night and we spent hours
laughing about things. We lost our bamboo steamer when we moved and
she got me a new one. How good can it get? LOL

>* Exported from MasterCook *
>
> Formaggio al Borsini

<Snip recipe>

Looks like you and the Jam Lady are on the same page. Thanks to both
of you. I'll follow the lead and make it for tomorrow. I've got
12-8oz. blocks to play with. Gonna make a NY style cheesecake.

Add this to your list of dining possibilities when you come to Chicago
The duck and rabbit are awesome.

http://www.emiliostapas.com/

http://chicago.citysearch.com/profil...estaurant.html

Lou

Lou Decruss wrote:

> We use a lot of cream cheese here. Philadelphia brand is often on
> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. Last
> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) Last night it was free with a
> $10 purchase. But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. The ingredient lists and
> nutritional facts are almost identical. We can't tell the difference
> so we buy whatever is cheapest. One of our friends claims there is a
> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. Are my

She's putting on airs.

> taste buds fooling me? Can you tell the difference? What kind do you

No, they're not. No, I can't.

> buy? Curious minds need to know these things!!

Whatever is cheapest.

--
Blinky
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project - http://improve-usenet.org

In article >,
Lou Decruss > wrote:

> Are my
> taste buds fooling me?


I don't know.

>Can you tell the difference?

Nope.

What kind do you
> buy?

Cheapest available. Sam's has a 3# box but I don't know the price right
now.

> Curious minds need to know these things!!

> Lou

Yes they do want to know!!

This was an integral part of my Christmas gift baskets this year (as
usual)

Herb Cheese Spread

Recipe By: Barb Schaller, posted to r.f.cooking 12-22-2007; based on a
post to r.f.r. in 1998 by M. Lowe.

2 cloves garlic minced
16 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1/2 cup butter (not margarine) softened
1 teaspoon oregano dried
1/4 teaspoon basil dried
1 teaspoon dillweed dried
1/4 teaspoon marjoram dried
1/4 teaspoon thyme dried
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

(Or use a couple teaspoons of Penzeys Bouquet Garni blend for the
individual herb components.)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together. Use a mixer, not a food processor.

Serve with crackers or toss with hot pasta for a quick dish.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
Turtle Bites pictured on
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com; 10-16-2007

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >,
> Lou Decruss > wrote:
>
> > Are my
> > taste buds fooling me?
>
>
> I don't know.
>
> >Can you tell the difference?
>
> Nope.
>
> What kind do you
> > buy?
>
> Cheapest available. Sam's has a 3# box but I don't know the price right
> now.
>
> > Curious minds need to know these things!!
>
> > Lou
>
> Yes they do want to know!!
>
> This was an integral part of my Christmas gift baskets this year (as
> usual)
>
> Herb Cheese Spread
>
> Recipe By: Barb Schaller, posted to r.f.cooking 12-22-2007; based on a
> post to r.f.r. in 1998 by M. Lowe.
>
> 2 cloves garlic minced
> 16 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
> 1/2 cup butter (not margarine) softened
> 1 teaspoon oregano dried
> 1/4 teaspoon basil dried
> 1 teaspoon dillweed dried
> 1/4 teaspoon marjoram dried
> 1/4 teaspoon thyme dried
> 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
>
> (Or use a couple teaspoons of Penzeys Bouquet Garni blend for the
> individual herb components.)
>
> Directions:
>
> Mix all ingredients together. Use a mixer, not a food processor.
>
> Serve with crackers or toss with hot pasta for a quick dish.
>


Thanx, luv, I will be serving this on Christmas day, I just bought a bunch
of cream cheese for spreads 'n dips 'n stuff...

--
Best
Greg

In article >,
"Gregory Morrow" > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> > This was an integral part of my Christmas gift baskets this year (as
> > usual)
> >
> > Herb Cheese Spread
> >
> > Recipe By: Barb Schaller, posted to r.f.cooking 12-22-2007; based on a
> > post to r.f.r. in 1998 by M. Lowe.

> Thanx, luv, I will be serving this on Christmas day, I just bought a bunch
> of cream cheese for spreads 'n dips 'n stuff...

It's good. I've also experimented some with the same cream
cheese/butter combination but with some TJ tapenade mixed in. Could be
worse. The one I just put together is the CC (lower fat) & butter with
TJ Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Tapenade mixed in -- about 2/3 of a
jar of it. Needs something but I can't decide what. I'd add a little
salt but somehow that seems wrong to do. I added some of the Bouquet
Garni mix but haven't tasted it yet. Didn't add much. Am using some
kind of pita chip for it -- consistency is soft for a spread and thick
for a dip. Go figure. Probably be best on pasta and that could happen
by nightfall. :-)
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
Notes about our meals in Tuscany have been posted to
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com; 10-16-2007

Lou Decruss wrote:
> We use a lot of cream cheese here. �Philadelphia brand is often on
> sale, but the average retail is about $2.39 at the big markets. �Last
> week it was on sale for $.68 (limit 2) �Last night it was free with a
> $10 purchase. �But the times it's not on sale other brands are on sale
> for between $.79 and $.99 all the time. �The ingredient lists and
> nutritional facts are almost identical. �We can't tell the difference
> so we buy whatever is cheapest. �One of our friends claims there is a
> big difference in the taste and she only buys Philadelphia. �Are my
> taste buds fooling me? �Can you tell the difference? �What kind do you
> buy? �Curious minds need to know these things!!
>
> Lou

The Kraft Philadelphia brand tastes better to me... but still I often
buy the store brand when it's on sale, but I find it's wetter and not
as fresh tasting. The thing I question is that I've never seen such a
huge price disparity as you claim. The normal price for store brand
is about a buck, the normal Philly price is like 30 cents more. Today
the Philly brand is on sale; $1 each if you buy ten... I don't need
ten of something so perishable so to me it's not a very good sale....
my local market runs a lot of $1ea 10-4 sales, but rarely will I buy
10 of what they put on sale.

Sheldon wrote:
Today
> the Philly brand is on sale; $1 each if you buy ten... I don't need
> ten of something so perishable so to me it's not a very good sale....
> my local market runs a lot of $1ea 10-4 sales, but rarely will I buy
> 10 of what they put on sale.
>

At my market even though something may be marked 10/$10 one can still
buy fewer and get the $1/each price. I think they just use the 10/$10 as
an advertising gimmick to encourage you to buy more.

In article >,
Goomba38 > wrote:

> Sheldon wrote:
> Today
> > the Philly brand is on sale; $1 each if you buy ten... I don't need
> > ten of something so perishable so to me it's not a very good sale....
> > my local market runs a lot of $1ea 10-4 sales, but rarely will I buy
> > 10 of what they put on sale.
> >
>
> At my market even though something may be marked 10/$10 one can still
> buy fewer and get the $1/each price. I think they just use the 10/$10 as
> an advertising gimmick to encourage you to buy more.

Sometimes around here it will be all or none for the special price, but
it's always marked clearly. I hate when they do the "10/$10 or $1.19
each" thing.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
Notes about our meals in Tuscany have been posted to
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com; 10-16-2007

Goomba38 wrote:

> Sheldon wrote:
> Today
> > the Philly brand is on sale; $1 each if you buy ten... I don't need
> > ten of something so perishable so to me it's not a very good sale....
> > my local market runs a lot of $1ea 10-4 sales, but rarely will I buy
> > 10 of what they put on sale.
> >
>
> At my market even though something may be marked 10/$10 one can still
> buy fewer and get the $1/each price. I think they just use the 10/$10 as
> an advertising gimmick to encourage you to buy more.


The Jewel chain here in Chicago uses the "10 for $10.00" ad gimmick...more
often than not at another store I can get that particular item for "10 for
$7.60" or whatever, e.g. it's cheaper...

I've had to explain this to several people that should have known better,
that "10/10" is a sales gimmick to make folks think they are getting a Big
Bargain when the exact opposite is usually the case...

Jewel has done this with fruit, e.g. "10 navel oranges/apples/whatever for
$10.00!", them's some pretty expensive apples. But people fall for it...

--
Best
Greg