Cream Cheese

Cream cheese was invented in 1872 by an enterprising dairyman who realized that by adding cream to the cheese mixture, he could create one of the smoothest and creamiest cheeses on the market. The product quickly took off, and was sold in tin wrapped packets under the name of "Philadelphia Brand." In 1928, Kraft Foods bought out the company and continues to market this brand of cheese to this day. Cream cheese is a popular choice for many recipes in the United States, but in Europe it is served as any other cheese – on platters or cut up into salads. While many folks envision rich cheesecakes and other desserts when they think of this cheese, it is also a popular ingredient in entrees and side dishes as well.

How Cream Cheese is Manufactured

By law, cream cheese must have a fat content of 33%, although some low-fat varieties are now sold on the market as well. This type of cheese is not aged in any way, meaning that it has a much shorter shelf life than many other cheeses. Because of its high fat content, emulsifiers are added to increase the firmness of the cheese. Because of its short shelf life, it is better to select the freshest cream cheese possible, and to use it within a week after opening the package. If mold appears on your cream cheese, it is not safe to simply scrape off the moldy areas and eat the rest of the block. Due to the way this cheese is manufactured, you must discard the entire package and purchase a fresh one.

How Cream Cheese is used

This type of cheese makes a very popular spread for bagels and crusty breads, and is often topped with fruit, jam or smoked salmon. It spreads easiest when it is at room temperature, although it can go directly from the refrigerator to the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to spread as well. It is also a popular choice for recipes such as cheesecakes, frostings and dips, due to its creamy texture and tangy flavor. There are now varieties of cream cheese on the market that have been whipped with air to give it a lighter and fluffier texture, and some products have been mixed with fruits, onion or garlic to make a tasty spread for your bagels or crackers.

If you are interested in finding more recipes using this rich and creamy cheese, you need not look any further than your computer. The Internet is abounding with cream cheese recipes that will fill any part of your menu.

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