Flavored Cream Cheese 3 Ways makes any special breakfast three times as fun and three times as delicious!
Good Morning, Sunshines!
Of all the things I remember about each of our kids’ childhoods…their first day of kindergarten, last day of high school, commencements, concerts, ball games, large public moments, quiet private moments, amidst the things that have sadly slipped from my memory bank, one thing I’ve never forgotten is the first book they each read without assistance.
Lauren’s was, “Hop on Pop” , Chelsea’s, “The Bubble Gum Christmas”, and Nick’s, “Noisy Breakfast”.
(Don’t ask me what I had for lunch yesterday, couldn’t tell ya…but their first books, I remember.)
Of course the thing that lifted this sleepy memory from hibernation was the preparation of this ‘noisy breakfast’ composed of flavored cream cheese done three ways.
With Lauren living home now as she pursues her Master’s… Wait, have I shared that news with you guys, yet? Yep, Luc is home to further her studies, and the college that she’s attending is close enough for her to live at home while she completes her degree. {Dom and I aren’t excited at all. Excuse me for a moment while I finish my happy dance.} 🙂
As I was saying – with Luc home, we’re having some fun getting in the kitchen together, and this breakfast was an absolute team effort. In fact, two of the three cream cheese recipes are hers.
How were the flavors born, you ask?
Many weeks ago we were taking a Sunday drive to see Lauren’s new campus and we got to talking about CCB’s holiday-inspired posts. I knew I wanted to play around with different flavors of cream cheese, so we started to brain storm. The conversation somehow morphed into our go-to cocktails (as conversations often do) of which Lauren commented, is an Old-Fashioned. This then prompted the conversation back to the blog and Old-Fashioned Cream Cheese was born, along with Scallion & Dill (to go with lox and capers) and Spiced Pecan Cream Cheese, which has Christmas morning written all over it. Actually, they all do.
This array of flavored cream cheese has something for everyone:
- Booze, maraschino cherries and orange zest (Must be 21)
- Pecans, cinnamon and nutmeg
- Scallions, fresh dill, peppercorns and capers
Simply soften three-8 oz. bricks of cream cheese, then, in separate bowls, get mixing.
In your first bowl, combine the cream cheese with bourbon, muddled cherries and orange zest. (I’ll give you one guess which flavored cream cheese this is!)
In the second, combine the cream cheese with pecans and a generous amount of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The third? Cream cheese, chopped scallion, fresh dill and cracked black peppercorns. We threw a few capers on top of the salmon just before serving.
This is the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the kitchen…everyone to the table…
Noisy or not, I’d say it’s the best kind of breakfast…
Buon Appetito!
PrintFlavored Cream Cheese 3 Ways
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 3–8 oz. bricks of cream cheese, softened
- Old-Fashioned
- 4 tsp. bourbon
- 10 maraschino cherries, muddled
- Zest of 2 oranges
- Spiced Pecan
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- Scallion & Dill
- 4 Tbsp. chopped scallion
- 2 Tbsp. chopped dill
- Freshly ground cracked black pepper, to taste
- 12 bagels
Instructions
- In three separate bowls combine cream cheese and ingredients for each of the flavors.
- Using a hand mixer, mix until just combined.
- Deliver each cream cheese to its own vessel.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Slice bagels just before serving.
Looking for a few other festive breakfast or brunch ideas? CCB’s got you covered!
Brown Sugar Roasted Grapefruit
Rumchata French Toast with Warm Berry Compote
CIAO!
Rosa says
Oh my! Your photos are so mouth-watering and inviting! It’s hard to choose a favourite cream cheese. All of them sound soooo delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Annie says
Thank you for stopping by with a kind word, Rosa! Happy holidays! 🙂
Cindy says
Love that you remember their first books! That is an awesome memory. How accomplished your daughter is and how wonderful to break bread with her again under your roof. (okay, eat bread with three dips, but you know what I mean). How lovely. Thanks for sharing these lovely recipes.
Annie says
I know(!) – the things I remember….and don’t! hahahaha! That’s a favorite, for sure! Oh yes – breaking bread, breaking bagels…it’s all the same! Thank you, my friend!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Wow! It’s so wonderful that your daughter have come to stay with you again. Love all three ways of making flavored cream cheese but that old-fashioned sounds so good to me. Can’t wait to try.
Annie says
Thank you, dear! Enjoy that Old Fashioned Cream Cheese – it’s a winner! 🙂
Amanda says
How wonderful to have your daughter home again! And with breakfasts like this she may never want to leave! ? This scallion and dill cream cheese has my name all over it!
Annie says
We are thrilled to have her home! Oh yeah – that scallion and dill is crazy good!! Thanks, friend!
Manali@CookWithManali says
this is so perfect for the holidays Annie! I love the cinnamon pecan one of course, sounds so good!
Annie says
It doesn’t take much to create a beautiful holiday meal, does it? Thank you, my friend!!
Robin Botie says
Wishing you and your family great holidays. Thanks for these flavored cream cheeses. What a neat assortment. I’ve been mixing Kahlua in my cream cheese for a while and never even thought of trying any other flavor. So I’m very excited about these. Cheers!
Annie says
Oh yum! Now you know we’ll be trying Kahlua in ours! Happy holidays, my friend! Cheers!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
Wow what great cream cheeses! I’m a huge fan of the Old Fashioned one! That would make any bagel and me sing ?! Take care! ?
Annie says
Oh yes! There was a lot of singing going on yesterday! Thanks, my friend! 🙂
Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com says
I want all of these andI want to dive into your photos today. Simply stunning and I think I have to make each version of cream cheese for holiday brunching!
Annie says
Thanks for your sweet words, my friend! I hope your try them – they are delicious! 🙂
Simone | My Blueberry Basket says
It must be absolutely wonderful for you, having you daughter living at home again! I can imagine you discussing all sorts of things and … of course, new recipe! These cream cheese variations certainly are a good start! 😉
Enjoy every minute, Annie!
All the best, Simone
Annie says
You are right on about that…we are never at a loss for conversation! And boy do I love that! Thank you, my friend! xo
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Congratulations to Luc on pursuing her masters! Congratulations to you and Dom for getting your baby back home for a bit! This is sure to be a special holiday season at your house! And I’m coming over for breakfast because these cream cheeses are dy-no-mite! Those pictures are absolutely stunning too! Cheers!
Annie says
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We’re having fun! 🙂
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
Love flavored cream cheese, Annie. I remember the first time I ever had strawberry flavored cream cheese – it was so delicious. Congrats on have daughter home with you – you must be so happy to have this wonderful time with her!
Annie says
You know, I’m trying to remember now if the first flavored cream cheese I had was strawberry or veggie…I’m thinking it was strawberry! So yummy! Thank you, my friend! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh wow, congrats to Luc!!! It is SUPER impressive that she is pursuing her Masters! I’m sending you both all the high fives over here! Also, how amazing is it that you remember the first books they all read unassisted?! You are making my mother look bad! hahaha. 😉 Anyways, weird confession – I am crazily addicted to flavored cream cheeses. Like I could eat them ALL with just a spoon… straight from the container. You can probably guess how stoked I am over these, right?! LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE! I absolutely need all three. Pronto. 😉 Pinned! Cheers, friend!
Annie says
Thanks so much, Chey! We are super excited for her! So happy you’re a fan of the cream cheeses! We have no excuse not to dress up plain cream cheese! It’s so easy! Thanks for the pin! 🙂
ALOZADE A. says
Good posts, beautiful blog.
Congratulations.
Welcome to see my creations:
http://paintdigi.com
Annie says
Thank you so much! I will definitely check out your blog! On my way…. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I’ve always wanted to make my own flavored cream cheese! What a great idea, Annie! This looks so perfect for a holiday brunch idea. And that’s great that your daughter is at home again…I’m sure that will make the holidays that much better!
Annie says
Hopefully this post inspires you to try it! It’s so easy but makes all the difference! Thanks, Gayle! Have a great day!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
What a breakfast spread Annie! You’re so lucky to have your daughter at home with you! This is such a great post with the holidays coming up! Perfect for those big family brunches! Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
Annie says
We’re feeling very blessed! Who doesn’t love to see an assortment of bagels and cream cheese on the table? A little coffee – and we are good to go! Thanks, my friend! 🙂
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
Aw what a great Christmas gift to have your daughter home! This looks like a great way to fancy up breakfast for the holidays!
Annie says
There’s just something about flavored cream cheese…it’s such a treat! Especially when it’s homemade! Thanks, my friend! 🙂
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Yay for your daughter being able to stay home while she finishes her degree!! Annie, I’m totally swooning over these versions, especially the ‘Old Fashioned’ one. Your daughter has good taste 🙂 This happens to be hubby’s go to cocktail and I really enjoy too. So perfect for the holidays, especially Christmas morning. Pinned! Happy Monday to ya! XO
Annie says
If you guys love that cocktail, safe to say, you’ll love this cream cheese! Luc nailed it!! I actually called Nick to come home for breakfast yesterday, we had so much food!! Thanks for the pin, my dear! Cheers! XO
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
How great your daughter is home. Lots of good times together! Your cream cheese ideas are fantastic. We make our own bagels and we have them several times a week with peanut butter – I love the cream cheese. Now, how about for the person with a sweet tooth adding a touch of maple syrup to the toasted pecans? Have a wonderful Monday!!
Annie says
I made homemade bagels one time many moons ago! I have to find that recipe; as I recall they were quite the bagels! 😉 Thanks, friend!
Gaila says
Annie! I am glad to hear Lucy is back home while getting that degree! and love that you two can share your recipes with us!! Pinned! Cheers!
Annie says
It’s a very special time for us! Thanks, dear!