Balsamic Cream Cheese Food

BALSAMIC STRAWBERRIES WITH RICOTTA CREAM

Steps:

• Put the ricotta cheese, honey and vanilla extract into the small bowl of a food processor and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• In a small saucepan combine the vinegar and sugar and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool completely.
• In a medium bowl, toss the berries with the basil and the balsamic syrup.
• Divide the cream among 4 cocktail glasses, top with the berry mixture and serve.
• Excellent source of: Vitamin C, Manganese
• Good source of: Protein, Vitamin K, Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium

ITALIAN BEEF PATTIES WITH BALSAMIC CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix together beef, cheese, egg yolks, salt and pepper and form into 6 patties.
• Heat 2 tbls butter in a heavy skillet over medium high heat, brown patties on both sides, reduce heat to medium and cook until juices are pink.
• Remove patties and cover with foil.
• Add oil, 1 tbls butter and onion to the pan and cook over medium heat until onion is golden brown.
• Add cream and vinegar and cook on low 2 minutes.
• Pour sauce over patties and serve.

PAN SEARED CHICKEN WITH BALSAMIC CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Season the chicken with salt and pepper and let rest.
• In a small skillet, saute onions in the butter until they are golden brown (carmelized).
• In a larger skillet with tall sides, heat olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides, but do not cook through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
• While the pan is still hot, deglaze with the chicken broth, and use a whisk or spatula to loosen all the browned bits.
• Add the heavy cream and the balsamic vinegar to the chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to taste and red pepper flakes (if desired) Whisk through.
• Add the mushrooms to the cream sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Add onions into the sauce.
• Place the chicken back into the pan with the sauces, increase heat to medium and saute until chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
• Remove chicken and add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted through the sauce.
• Plate the chicken, top with sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley. I often serve this chicken over the top of basmati rice.

BALSAMIC STRAWBERRIES WITH WHIPPED MASCARPONE CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine vinegar, 2 teaspoons sugar, and lemon juice in heavy small saucepan.
• Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
• Boil until syrup is reduced to scant 1/4 cup, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer to small bowl; cool completely.
• (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Combine mascarpone, cream, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl.
• Whisk until thick soft peaks form.
• Cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.
• Combine berries and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in large bowl; drizzle with balsamic syrup and toss to blend.
• Let stand 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Divide berries and syrup among 6 goblets.
• Top with mascarpone mixture.

SLOW COOKER CREAM CHEESE BALSAMIC CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Cut chicken pieces into 1 inch bite size and place in 1 gallon freezer bag OR air tight container.
• Put everything, except the chicken and cream cheese, into a mini food processor and combine thoroughly. If you don't have a food processor, make sure that the dried rosemary and garlic and chopped fine.
• Empty marinade into freezer bag and seal tight, getting as much air out as you can.
• Let marinate for 2 hours OR put in freezer to use at a later date.
• Empty chicken and all the marinade into a slow cooker and cook on high for 2 - 4 hours.
• Turn of the slow cooker and add cream cheese. Allow it to melt and then stir to combine. Enjoy over your favorite pasta or rice.

MARINATED CHEESE APPETIZER

Steps:

• Cut cheddar cheese and cream cheese into 1/4 inch slices, then again in half.
• Using a small dish, place cheese slices on end alternating cheddar and cream cheese.
• Make the marinade by combining sugar, basil, salt, pepper, oil, vinegar, pimento, parsley, onion and garlic.
• Pour marinade over cheese, cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Serve with crackers.

BALSAMIC CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until it has caramelized to a dark, golden brown, about 15 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, and cook for 1 minute before stirring in the chicken bouillon and cream. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.