We admit a weakness for cream cheese in all its forms (those forms include cheesecake). We were raised on Philadelphia Cream Cheese, when there were only Regular, Chive and Pimento options. Today, there are 15 varieties, and the Philadelphia folks have been feeding our habit with containers of tempting, soft, flavored cream cheese: Chive & Onion, Garden Vegetable, Salmon and Strawberry. Two newbies are Spinach & Artichoke (tastes like artichoke dip) and Sundried Tomato & Basil (tastes like our old, discontinued favorite Pimento).

We needed no arm-twisting to dig into these for bagel breakfasts, luncheon sandwiches, casual snacks, baked potato garnishes (hold the Strawberry) and best of all, easy entertaining. You can turn out quick, impressive canapés with soft, easy-spread flavored cream cheese. Just look at the easy, tempting recipes on the Philadelphia Cream Cheese website, and you’ll be chilling the wine and calling your friends.

Easy, elegant hors d’oeuvres: Your favorite cracker (here, a Triscuit), new Sundried Tomato Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread, a bit of shredded mozzarella and some snips of fresh rosemary.