Balsamic Cream Cheese Recipes

LEMON-RASPBERRY CUPCAKES WITH RASPBERRY-BALSAMIC CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 muffin pans with cupcake liners.
• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape the bowl as needed. Beat in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until combined. With the mixer on the lowest speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of the buttermilk and lemon juice. Mix until just combined after each addition. Scrape the bowl as needed. Gently fold in the raspberries.
• Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full with batter and bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Transfer the pans to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
• Frost the cupcakes with the Raspberry-Balsamic Cream Cheese Frosting.
• In a small bowl, mix the raspberries with the granulated sugar and let stand for 15 minutes.
• Place the raspberries in a small saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar. Let simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes; the raspberries should cook down and create a sauce. Then crush the berries or run through a blender for a smoother frosting. Set aside to cool.
• Mix the remaining 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar into the raspberry sauce and set aside.
• In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add the raspberry sauce and beat until combined. Add the remaining powdered sugar, a bit at a time, and beat until creamy. Add more sugar if a thicker consistency is desired.

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

CREAM CHEESE PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook pork chops in oil over medium heat for 8-10 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°. Remove and keep warm., Add the cream cheese, broth, cheese, vinaigrette and lemon juice to the skillet; cook and stir until blended. Return chops to the pan; heat through.

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.

MARINATED OLIVE & CHEESE RING

Steps:

• Cut cream cheese lengthwise in half; cut each half into 1/4-in. slices. On a serving plate, arrange cheeses upright in a ring, alternating cheddar and cream cheese slices. Place olives in center., In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, parsley, basil and garlic until blended; drizzle over cheeses and olives. Sprinkle with pimientos. Refrigerate, covered, at least 8 hours or overnight. Serve with baguette slices.

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.
• *Italian cream cheese, available at Italian markets and many supermarkets.

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.

CREAMY BALSAMIC DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine balsamic vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and garlic in a cup and mix well. Stir in cream and mix well.