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10 Fun Philadelphia Facts
2007-11-21 17:52:00
Philadelphia … One Fascinating CityHere are a few facts about this city I bet you never knew:1. Independence Square was where the Declaration of Independence was first read, while Independence Hall was where the 13 colonies agreed to break their ties with Britain. Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten version of the declaration can be found in Liberty Hall.2. The first flag of the United States was sewn in Philadelphia in 1777 by Betsy Ross.3. The first stock exchange in the United States was the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, which organized in 1790 when Philadelphia became the first capital of the United States (1790-1800).4. Head to the Italian market for a taste of history, it is the oldest outdoor market in the United States.5. Tom Hanks won an Oscar for his portrayal of a lawyer with AIDS in the film named after the city. The theme song from the film, Bruce Springsteen’s Streets of Philadelphia, was a major hit worldwide.6. Philadelphia is home to the oldest zoo in the US.7. Arou...
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NILLA® Pumpkin Mousse Trifle
2007-11-21 17:49:00
This unique, pumpkin dish is perfect to bring to your next holiday party! If you're looking to make it a bit more healthful use: Reduced Fat Nilla Wafers, Philly Neufchatel Cheese, Sugar/Fat Free Vanilla JELL-O and Lite COOL WHIP.42 NILLA Wafers, divided 1 pkg. ( 8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1-3/4 cups cold milk 1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling 2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided 1/2 cup Autumn Spice...
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Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Log
2007-11-20 17:43:00
This delicious, colorful cheese log travels well. Make sure to wrap tightly before storing in an insulated cooler packed with ice packs. Bringing this to a holiday party? Remember to pack a copy of the recipe. You're sure to get requests! 1 container (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Light Cream Cheese Spread 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries 1 Tbsp. grated orange peel 1/2 cup coarsely chopped PLANTERS Pecans, toasted TRISCUIT Rosemary & Olive Oil Crackers MIX cream cheese spread, cranberries and orange peel until well blended. Shape into 6-inch log. ROLL in pecans until evenly coated on all sides. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. REFRIGERATE at least 30 min. ...
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Philly Thanksgiving Recipes
2007-11-19 20:23:00
If you’ve been reading Love-My-Philly over the past few weeks, then you know Philadelphia Cream Cheese can and should be used for so much more than a bagel schmear. It’s an excellent addition to many savory recipes as well as addicting desserts. With Thanksgiving just days away, I need all the help I can get planning my menu. Sometimes it helps to build your dinner around a theme and if you love Philly as much as I do, you will definitely want to try this menu.BeveragesRussian TeaRazzmopolitansAppetizersCrabmeat Stuffed MushroomsThe Perfect CheeseballThe BirdDijon Herb Basted TurkeyPhilly SidesRustic Onion TartChive and Onion Mashed PotatosDessertPumpkin Pie BarsDouble Layer Pumpkin Pie
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Apple Pecan Cheesecake
2007-11-19 17:33:00
For an extra special touch, drizzle KRAFT Caramel Topping over each piece of cheesecake just before serving. Take advantage of the variety of apples available this season by trying Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or your favorite type for the topping. 1-1/2 cups HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1-1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar, divided 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream 4 eggs 4 cups choppe...
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Crabmeat-Stuffed Mushrooms
2007-11-16 18:08:00
These mushrooms will always be the hit of the party! It's usually tastes best to use fresh crabmeat, but canned crabmeat works fine if it's all you can get. These mushrooms taste delicious when prepared on a grill. You can store the mixture in the fridge to save time the day you want to serve them.12 large fresh mushrooms 2 Tbsp. sliced green onion 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided 3 Tbsp. fresh bread crumbs 3 oz. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1 pkg. (6 oz.) frozen crabmeat, thawed, drained and flaked PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Remove mushroom stems; chop enough stems to measure 1/3 cup. Cook and stir chopped stems and onion in 1 Tbsp. of the butter in medim skillet until tender. Stir in bread crumbs. Add to cream cheese in medium bowl; mix unt...
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The Only Cheesecake Cook Book You’ll Ever Need
2007-11-16 17:59:00
New York City … “The Big Apple.” Who do they think they’re kidding? We all know the top three foods New York is known for and big apples are not one of them!Oh no, the three most famous foods in this town are far more fun, delicious, and decadent than a piece of fruit; Pizza, bagels, and my favorite, New York Cheesecake . Now when you visit NYC, if you’re a cheesecake addict like me, chances are a New York native will tell you to visit Junior’s. Since 1950, The Rosen family has provided New Yorkers with a place to meet friends, have coffee, and indulge in a wide variety of sweet slices of thick, creamy, velvet-like cheesecake. And guess what? They wrote a cheesecake cookbook! Junior’s Cheesecake Cook book is filled with 50 of their most famous cheesecake recipes.Now, as far as cookbooks go, I’m all about the pictures. If my mouth is not watering from staring at gorgeous photos of Cherry Crumb Cheesecake by the time I’ve flipped through the book, I’m just not inspir...
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Baked Apricot Spread
2007-11-15 18:02:00
This spread is super simple to make! I definitely recommend using mango chutney to kick up the flavor of the recipe. It's likely to become a "must-make" during your holiday season.1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread , softened 1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese 1/2 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream 1/2 cup sliced dried apricots 1/3 cup PLANTERS Sliced Almonds RITZ Crackers PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix cream cheese and Cheddar cheese in medium bowl until well blended. Add sour cream and apricots; mix well. SPREAD into 9-inch pie plate; sprinkle with almonds. BAKE 25 to 30 minutes or until almonds are lightly toasted and spread is heated through. Cool slightly. Serve with crackers.
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My Philly is Pasteurized! What is Pasteurization Exactly?
2007-11-14 19:23:00
I always buy pasteurized milk and I’ve seen the term on many Philly cream cheese containers. Great … but what does pasteurization actually mean? After a little research, I found out it’s the process of heating liquids in order to destroy anything that could be harmful to your health such as molds and bacteria. Pasteurization is, in fact, an important part of increasing the shelf life of cream cheese. I gave a little history of Philly Cream Cheese in the blog last Wednesday, but incase you missed it, I’ll recap. We can thank Kraft research scientist Oscar J. Link for giving our favorite creamy spread a longer shelf life. He did this by creating a device that separated cream from milk. Link was able to decrease bacterial contamination by immediately packaging hot cream cheese curd, allowing the product to remain in its pasteurized state. This patented process proved so successful, Philadelphia brand's shelf life increased nearly 700 percent, from 18 days to more than 120 days...

Autumn Pear Crisps
2007-11-14 17:53:00
Wow, this is a delicious, uncomplicated recipe that will make you feel warm inside! Even non-pear lovers will enjoy it. If you don't have vanilla wafers, try using graham crackers and even the miniature little graham crusts to put in the filling. 1 oz. (1/8 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 large pear, peeled, cored and chopped 4 NILLA Wafers, coarsely chopped 1 Tbsp. PLANTERS Pecan Pieces 1 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Spray two (6-oz.) custard cups with cooking spray. Mix cream cheese, sugar and cinnamon until blended. Stir in pears. Spoon into prepared cups. ...
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Rustic Onion Tart
2007-11-13 17:48:00
This tasty onion tart is the perfect compliment for your next winter dinner. 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup OSCAR MAYER Real Bacon Recipe Pieces 1/2 pkg. (15 oz.) ready-to-use refrigerated pie crusts (1 crust) 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream 1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Swiss Cheese SPRAY small skillet with cooking spray. Add onions and bacon pieces; cook and stir on medium heat 5 min. or until onion is tender. Cool. PREHEAT oven 350°F. Unroll or unfold pie crust onto ungreased baking sheet. Mix cream cheese and sour cream; spread evenly onto crust. Spoon the onion mixture onto center of crust, leaving a 2-inch border. Sprinkle with cheese. Fold the border up over...
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The Origin of Cream Cheese
2007-11-12 18:36:00
Most people think of bagels and cream cheese as one delicious power couple! The best bagels, in my opinion, are found in New York City, so it only makes sense that cream cheese was invented on the east coast!Cream Cheese is one cheese America can proudly claim as its own. In 1872 a dairyman in Chester, New York created a cheese he claimed was “a richer cheese than ever before.” This might have to do with the fact that he made it from both cream and whole milk. If those ingredients don’t make something rich then what will, right? In 1880, a cheese distributor in New York named A.L. Reynolds began distributing cream cheese wrapped in tin-foil- wrappers. He called it Philadelphia Brand, a nod to the city in Pennsylvania that was notorious for producing top-quality food products at that time. The brand has become so popular that in many countries, cream cheese is just known as “Philadelphia.”Want to treat yourself or a loved one to something extra special this week? Peek at th...
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Harvest Time Apple Bars
2007-11-12 17:43:00
Make sure not to over bake these delicious apple bars, or they may come out too dry. Try adding more nuts to enhance the harvest flavor.2 cups flour 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided 1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter 1 cup chopped PLANTERS Walnuts 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 2 Tbsp. milk 1 egg, beaten 1/2 tsp. vanilla 3-1/2 cups chopped apples PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and the cinnamon; cut in butter using pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles ...
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The Perfect Cheese Ball
2007-11-09 18:36:00
The perfect cheese ball for the holidays, any type of crackers or vegetables will go nicely with it. If you have a sweet tooth add a couple spoonfuls of powdered sugar.1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread 2 cups KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese 1/2 cup dried cranberries 2 Tbsp. port wine 1/2 cup PLANTERS Chopped Pecans 1/4 cup maple-flavored or pancake syrup MIX cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, cranberries and wine until well blended; cover. Refrigerate 1 hour. SHAPE into ball or other desired shape; coat with pecans. Place on serving plate. DRIZZLE with syrup before serving with assorted NABISCO Crackers and cut-up fresh vegetables, such as carrot and celery sticks.
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History of Kraft Foods
2007-11-08 18:30:00
The Early YearsThe stories behind successful companies like Kraft Foods are always intriguing to me. It’s really interesting to discover what steps were taken to build a small business into a global business with brands we all know and love. Way back in 1903, 29-year-old James L. Kraft moved to Chicago, where he started selling the best cheese from a horse-drawn wagon to wholesale markets and grocers. Six years later, four of Kraft's brothers joined him, and they incorporated the business under the name of J.L. Kraft & Bros. Co. By 1915, Kraft introduced process cheese in four-ounce tins. With its consistent quality and improved shelf life, the product became popular very quickly. The creation of process cheese helped Kraft grow and open new plants. In 1916, a patent for the "Process of Sterilizing Cheese and an Improved Product Produced by Such Process" was issued to Kraft and revolutionized the production of cheese.Kraft Grows UpOver the years, Kraft has merged with, been p...
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Frozen Pumpkin Dessert
2007-11-08 17:31:00
Looking for a different type of dessert to enjoy by a winter's fire? The Frozen Pumpkin Dessert is just that! It's also a fun change from the traditional pumpkin pie. Your friends will sure be surprised if you serve this at your next gathering.1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin 3 Tbsp. brandy (optional) 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided 1 cup chopped PLANTERS Slivered Almonds BEAT cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add pumpkin, brandy and spice; beat until well blended. REMOVE 1/2 cup of the whipped topping; place in small bowl. Cover and ref...

Thanksgiving with Philly
2007-11-07 23:26:00
I hope you enjoyed all the Halloween treats I've posted. During the next few weeks I will be adding recipes that will feel right at home with your Thanksgiving traditions as well as some fun Philly facts. So get out those mixing bowls and lets start cooking!
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Favorite Topped Deviled Eggs
2007-11-07 18:18:00
This deviled eggs recipe is easy, delicious and perfect for your next family gathering! It also gives you the opportunity to tryout different toppings to match the season.12 hard-cooked eggs 4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, softened 3 Tbsp. KRAFT Mayo Light Mayonnaise 2 tsp. GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard 2 tsp. white vinegar 1 tsp. sugar 1/8 tsp. paprika CUT eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks; place in medium bowl. Add Neufchatel cheese, mayo, mustard, vinegar and sugar; mix until well blended. SPOON mixture into large resealable plastic bag. Cut small corner from bottom of bag. Use to pipe filling into egg white halves. Sprinkle with papr...
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Pumpkin Pie Bars
2007-11-06 18:08:00
These Pumpkin Pie Bars have a creamy, delicious filling with a sweet, crunchy topping. They would be perfect to make for Thanksgiving or any upcoming family gathering. The recipe makes enough for two 8x8 pans.1-1/3 cups flour 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) cold butter or margarine 1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats, uncooked 1/2 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 3 eggs 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil; grease foil lining. Mix flour, brown...

Double-Decker Salmon Appetizer
2007-11-05 18:01:00
Even the super picky will enjoy this delightful, tasty appetizer. It's so yummy you might need to make it a couple of times a week! 36 slices cocktail pumpernickel bread 1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Salmon Cream Cheese Spread 1 medium cucumber, peeled, cut into 24 thin slices 48 sprigs fresh dill SPREAD each of 24 of the bread slices with 2 tsp. of the cream cheese spread; top each with 1 cucumber slice. STACK 1 topped bread slice on top of second topped bread slice for each appetizer. Top each with 1 of the remaining 12 bread slices. CUT each appetizer diagonally into quarters. Garnish each wedge with a dill sprig.
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Fall Apple Bavarian Cheesecake
2007-11-02 18:40:00
This scrumptious apple cheesecake is perfect for a fall dinner party, and might be the best tasting cheesecake you will ever make! Feel free to skip the almonds if you aren't a fan of nuts. 1/3 cup butter, melted 1-1/4 cups HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 cup plus 3 Tbsp. sugar, divided 1/2 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs 1 apple, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 cup PLANTERS Sliced Almonds 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix butter and crumbs; press firmly onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate. BEAT cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the sugar and vanilla in large bowl...
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PHILADELPHIA Garlic & Herb Dip
2007-11-01 17:39:00
This dip is delicious and so easy to make! If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dry instead and also try adding two garlic cloves. It will go fast at a party!1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 3 Tbsp. milk 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives 1 clove garlic, minced MIX cream cheese and milk in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. ADD basil, parsley, chives and garlic; mix well. Cover. REFRIGERATE several hours or until chilled. Serve with assorted cut-up vegetables or NABISCO Crackers.
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Great Pumpkin Cake
2007-10-30 17:16:00
Try making this unique, fun-to-frost recipe with chocolate chip cake instead!1 pkg. (2-layer) cake mix, any flavor 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened 4 cups powdered sugar Few drops each: green, red and yellow food coloring 1 COMET Cup PREPARE cake batter and bake in 12-cup fluted tube pan as directed on package. Cool in pan 10 min. Invert cake onto wire rack; remove pan. Cool cake completely. MEANWHILE, beat cream cheese and butter in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add sugar, beating until well blended after each addition. Remove 1/2 cup of the frosting; place in small bowl. Add green food coloring; stir until well blended. S...
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Skull Cakes
2007-10-29 16:45:00
Try a scary spin on the traditional cupcake. These tasty skulls will be a howl at your next Halloween party.1 pkg. (2-layer size) white cake mix 1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla 1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar, sifted (about 4 to 4-1/2 cups) 12 JET-PUFFED Marshmallows, cut in half widthwise 72 semi-sweet chocolate chips 96 candy corn PREPARE cake batter as directed on package; blend in dry pudding mix. Spoon evenly into 24 paper-lined medium muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool c...
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2 Sweet Worlds Collide
2007-10-26 23:45:00
How divine is cheesecake? The classic kind’s good …that sweet, cream cheesy filling floating on top of a crunchy Honey Maid graham cracker crust. Yum! But at heart, I’m a chocolate lover. Chocolate cheesecake … oh yeah!Seriously though, who has the time to slave away in the kitchen making chocolate cheesecake? Well guess what fellow cheesecake fans? You no longer have to. I’m working with Philadelphia cream cheese, and they just came out with Chocolate Dream Ready-To-Eat Cheesecake Filling. That means it’s just one easy step to total dessert heaven! Yup, life just got a little sweeter and a little cheaper … stop by CreamCheese.com and click on “Save Right Now” to get a dollar off coupon for Chocolate Dream Ready-To Eat Cheesecake Filling.All you have to do is spread the Chocolate Dream Filling into a Honey Maid or Oreo 9 inch pie crust, then sit back and enjoy sheer bliss with each rich, chocolaty bite. Here’s a classic commercial with the Philly angels making a ...
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Fun Philly Halloween Recipe Recap
2007-10-26 19:16:00
Here are some fun, tasty recipes for your upcoming Halloween party. They are sure to make your friends and family 'shriek' in delight. Happy Halloween!Spider Pumpkin CheesecakePumpkin Spiced Frosted Snack BarsCreamy Pumpkin Bars"Eyeball" CupcakesMonster Coffin CakeJack-'o-Lantern CakeDouble-Layer Pumpkin Pie
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Ghost Crackers
2007-10-26 19:11:00
These are healthy, fun treat to make for your kids. A nice surprise for snack time! To mix it up, try using chocolate graham crackers and a flavored Cream Cheese Spread. 1 Tbsp. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread 3 RITZ Cracker s 3 raisins, cut in half SPREAD cream cheese in ghost shape on top of crackers. ADD raisin pieces for the eyes.
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"Eyeball" Cupcakes
2007-10-25 18:12:00
These distinctive "eyeball" cupcakes are very tasty and kids will love them! Try pairing them with Spooky JELL-O Jigglers.1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix 1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla 1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar, sifted (4 to 4-1/2 cups) 24 ring-shaped chewy fruit snacks 24 miniature candy-coated chocolate pieces 1 tube (19.28 g) red decorating gel PREPARE cake batter as directed on package. Add dry pudding mix; mix well. Spoon evenly into 24 paper-lined medium muffin cups. Bake as direc...
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Spooky JELL-O JIGGLERS
2007-10-25 18:00:00
They are so easy and fun to make, try using sugar-free Jell-O, you can barely tell the difference. If you spray the dish lightly with cooking spray before adding the Jell-O, it won't stick to the pan and you won't have to dip it in warm water. They are perfect for any occasion using different colors and shapes. Also, try adding a bit of Philly Ready-to-Eat Cheesecake on top!2-1/2 cups boiling water (Do not add cold water.) 2 pkg. (8-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Orange Flavor Gelatin STIR boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 3 min. until gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour into 13x9-inch pan. REFRIGERATE at least 3 hours or until firm. DIP bottom of pan in warm water 15 sec. Cut into 24 decorative shapes, using 2-inch Halloween-shaped cookie cutters, making sure to cut all the way through gelatin to bottom of pa...
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Monster Coffin Cake
2007-10-24 18:03:00
Your friends will be sure to gobble up this delicious cake right away! It's fun to make and should be a huge hit with kids. Great for any upcoming Halloween party as well.1/3 cup KOOL-AID Grape Flavor Sugar-Sweetened Soft Drink Mix 2 Tbsp. hot water 4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping 4 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided 1 pkg. (10.75 oz.) frozen pound cake, thawed 10 JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows 1 JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Black decorating gel 3 worm-shaped chewy fruit snacks PLACE drink mix in large bowl. Add hot water; stir until drink...
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