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Brandon Blumenfeld has over 18 years of experience working across the country in the hospitality industry, and has worked for stand-out restaurant groups such as Momofuku, Hu Kitchen, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. He specializes in recipe development, menu design, cost analysis, ordering processes, and kitchen functionality.
5 Creative Ways to Cook with Cream Cheese
CREAM CHEESE IS MORE THAN A SCHMEAR—IT’S A CULINARY STAPLEWritten and Photographed by Brandon Blumenfeld In the late 19th century, dairyman William Lawrence created cream cheese, a uniquely American spread inspired by France’s soft Neufchâtel cheese. Unlike its European counterpart, cream cheese is made with milk and cream, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture and […]
Cheesy Buckwheat Blintzes with Dates and Pistachios
These blintzes feature a smooth, creamy filling made from rich cream cheese. The key to a perfect blintz is in the folding and gentle browning in the pan, so be sure to watch the heat carefully. For a smoother crepe texture, you can make the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it.
Creamy and Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
This creamy sauce comes together quickly, with no need for pre-cooking or special prep. Calabrian chili paste adds a mild heat—if you can’t find it, sambal oelek, sriracha, or harissa are good alternatives. The fried breadcrumbs cook quickly and make for a perfect crunchy topping.
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes with Creamy Onion Dip
This caramelized onion and cream cheese dip is rich and velvety with a touch of sweetness. Paired with crispy smashed fingerling potatoes, this dish is both comforting and sophisticated. Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for a simple and elegant snack or appetizer.
Roasted Beets with Whipped Lemon Garlic Cream Cheese and Salsa Verde
Fresh salsa verde adds an acidic punch to this rich, velvety side dish, which can be served cold, room temperature, or slightly warm. For quick assembly, you can roast the beets and prepare the cream cheese spread up to two days in advance. To ensure beets are soft in the center, use a cake tester.
Grilled Sourdough Bread with Green Goddess Cream Cheese
This simple open-faced sandwich is a great option for a quick, flavorful meal. The recipe makes more green goddess cream cheese than you’ll need for two servings, but you can enjoy it all week long as a staple condiment in your refrigerator. It’s great on a morning bagel or with a crudités platter. Marinate the […]
