The year was 1872. Maybe 1875. Could've been 1877 Dairy farmer William Lawrence lived in Chester A big city client — a fancy grocery store called Park and Tilford — requested a richer version of Neufchâtel (that they could sell at a higher price Lawrence added more cream and called it "cream cheese." In 1877 Lawrence created the first cream cheese brand: Neufchâtel and Cream Cheese Cream cheese was an immediate hit. By 1889, according to Rabbi and cream cheese historian Jeffrey A. Marx seven cents more expensive than Parmesan (in today's money Other farmers upstate started making cream cheese Lawrence pairs up with a cheese broker named Alvah Reynolds and it flies off the line so fast that Lawrence starts contracting with other dairies Philadelphia is known at this time as the premier place to get the best cheese and Reynolds suggests Lawrence use it in the brand name for his cream cheese — one you may have heard before: Philadelphia Cream Cheese making cream cheese affordable for more households Phenix merges with a younger but very successful company: Kraft Cream cheese might be a relatively recent invention The cheesy predecessor dates back to around 1035 C.E. It can be formed into any number of shapes It's grainier in texture than cream cheese and has a fat content between 23% and 45% It's interesting that cream cheese is known to producers as a bit of a frustrating head-scratcher, since William Lawrence certainly wasn't a chemist. But Mercedes Brighenti a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (where else?) is determined to uncover the secrets of cream cheese at a molecular level cheesemakers and scientists may be able to innovate even better cream cheese in ways that don't involve the vault of secret knowledge and recipes in Kraft's Chicago headquarters get calls and packages from flummoxed manufacturers about cheese that smells like dirty socks Since cream cheese is coagulated with lactic acid formed by bacteria it can be a little harder to get right over time If the bacteria keep going and more acid is created If a cheesemaker doesn't kill the bacteria at just the right moment Flavor additives can further create issues for consistency (and sometimes explosiveness) as they introduce more molecular complexity Lucey and Brighenti's continued research on the structure and behavior of cream cheese has contributed to cream cheese developments in flavors and textures (and a more exciting bagel experience than originated sometime in the late 1870's in Chester As of 2021, with more than 15 years of research under her belt at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mercedes Brighenti was still publishing papers on cream cheese. Most recently, Brighenti and John Lucey were looking at a complete recipe change. William Lawrence's recipe blended sweet cream and milk, but Brighenti's paper in the Journal of Dairy Science spotlighted whey cream With smaller fat droplets and a different chemical composition whey cream is the product of clarified cheese whey spun through a centrifuge In the search for more spreadable cream cheese using whey cream — an "underutilized" ingredient in production — seems promising The study found that higher percentages of whey cream in the cream cheese recipes did indeed create stickier If you've ever dealt with the displeasure of ripping apart your bagel or bread slice as you try to spread cream cheese over it Manufacturers have produced whipped cream cheese as a more spreadable option but this recipe revelation may create a spreadable cream cheese with the same luscious density as the regular stuff Plant-based, vegan cream cheese represents another new frontier in cream cheese metamorphosis. In 2022, Philadelphia entered the non-dairy market, the first time a top cream cheese brand ventured into the space. Eight months later, Philadelphia launched its first flavored non-dairy cream cheese Lawrence's invention continues to "spread" in popularity thanks to fresh innovations Get the world's #1 plant‑based magazine more than 54 million Americans eat around one pound of Philadelphia cream cheese while others will get creative and try it in soup or cheesecake (more on that later) Traditional Philadelphia cream cheese is made with milk and cream it was launching a plant-based version of its iconic cream cheese in the US Here’s everything you need to know about vegan Philadelphia (or and creative ways to use it when you’re cooking RELATED: Who Makes the Best Dairy-Free Cream Cheese? The Philadelphia brand is synonymous with cream cheese for a reason: it was the first company to bring it to market It started when dairyman William Lawrence tried to make Neufchâtel crumbly cheese first developed in Neufchâtel-en-bray But during the process of trying to figure out Neufchâtel Lawrence actually managed to create a different type of cheese He took his creation to a cheese distributor who advised him to name his new creamy cheesy spread after Philadelphia the city in Pennsylvania was renowned for its high-quality food scene so Lawrence took the distributor’s advice so that means the cheese that is synonymous with Philadelphia didn’t actually come from the city at all Kraft spotted the potential of Lawrence’s product and acquired his brand the brand is the leading producer of cream cheese in the world it accounts for nearly 70 percent of sales in the category lactic acid bacteria is added to a combination of milk and cream they are heated after the whey (the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled) has been drained away Dairy products are intrinsic to the cream cheese-making process Philadelphia Plant-Based was created using a combination of coconut oil “It’s really about delivering that flavor and texture that you get from dairy products,” Philadelphia’s Senior Brand Manager Keenan White told VegNews last year “We know that’s been historically difficult not just in cream cheese but in the broader dairy sector to deliver what milk as a foundational ingredient does when it comes to delivering that multi-sensorial experience.” where the Philadelphia brand is owned by Mondelēz International vegan Philadelphia has been available since the beginning of 2022 the creamy spread is made with a combination of almonds and oats years of research and testing went into ensuring that the plant-based version of Philadelphia cream cheese was just as smooth Louise Stigant said that the plant-based alternative “delivers the same great taste and creaminess” as the original “Not a bagel or slice of toasted sourdough ever needs to go without again,” she added Kraft Heinz’s president of research and development also noted that the US version “mirrors the taste and texture” of the original Philadelphia spread BECOME A VEGNEWS VIP: Get exclusive product deals, freebies, and perks galore! we’ve also listed just a handful of our favorites @violifeus/Instagram Greek brand Violife uses coconut oil to make its creamy, thick vegan cream cheese. It has everything you would hope for from a plant-based version of the classic: it’s easy to spread, the texture is velvety, and the taste is deliciously cheesy and mild. get it here @kitehillfoods/Instagram To ensure its vegan alternative is spot on, Kite Hill uses lactic acid and citric acid to make sure its cream cheese has just the right amount of zing. As well as the plain version, it also offers Chive, Strawberry, Everything, and Garden Veggie flavors.get it here @tofuttibrands/Instagram For all of Tofutti’s products, tofu is the signature ingredient, and its range of vegan cream cheeses is no different. It looks, tastes, and feels like the real deal, and it’s available in several different varieties, including Garlic & Herb.get it here @daiyafoods/Instagram Daiya has been making dairy-free products since the aughts, so it’s pretty well-skilled in the vegan cheese game. Among its range of Cheeze Sticks, Cheeze Sauces, Slices, and Shreds, you can also find three different smooth, creamy spreads: Plain, Chive & Onion, and Garlic & Herbs.get it here Trader Joe’s Trader Joe’s is consistently expanding its range of vegan products, but it’s had plant-based cream cheese for a while. Made with a blend of coconut oil, potato starch, and chickpea protein, Trader Joe’s own Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative is super spreadable, creamy, and silky, too.get it here @miyokoscreamery/Instagram Miyoko’s Creamery is the go-to destination for many when it comes to vegan cheese. And for good reason, the brand uses traditional cheesemaking techniques to make products that are just as, if not more, delicious than the dairy versions. Its cream cheese is available in Classic Plain, Savory Scallion, Everything, and Fish-Free Lox flavors.get it here there is no greater way to enjoy cream cheese than spread it on a bagel But that is far from the only way to enjoy it If you feel like getting creative with your new plant-based Philadelphia First, make tasty cupcakes. Next, add delicious, creamy frosting. This simple, quick, mild frosting recipe comes together using butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and, you guessed it, vegan cream cheese.Get the recipe There’s no doubt, cheesecake is a top-tier dessert. It’s tangy, but also sweet, creamy, and crunchy (thanks to the biscuit base) all at the same time. There is absolutely no reason to miss out on this treat if you’re vegan, just sub in vegan cream cheese.Get the recipe A warm, sweet cinnamon roll is already one of the very best ways to start the day. But it’s even better when it’s topped with thick, velvety, indulgent cream cheese icing.Get the recipe A hearty bowl of soup is a great lunch option, particularly when it’s cold outside. Warm up your insides with this tasty, veggie-packed cauliflower cheese soup, which is made extra creamy thanks to the addition of vegan cream cheese.Get the recipe  If you’re hosting loved ones, stuffed mushrooms make for a delicious starter. But, if you really want to wow your guests, treat them to cream cheese and crab stuffing with breadcrumbs and fresh herbs (instead of the crustacean though, this recipe actually calls for hearts of palm).Get the recipe DON'T MISS OUT: Get breaking news, recipes, and our weekly vegan deal by signing up for our FREE VegNewsletter Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews CHECK IT OUT All things plant‑based,in your mailbox and inbox confides over dinner."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Recklessly .”"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"She’s shocked there are superb examples of Camembert 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say it was their best holiday ever.Angela Luke Sailboats in Jardin du Luxembourg Photograph: Laura StoreyI’ll never forget watching my children pushing vintage wooden toy sailboats down the lake in Paris’s Jardin du Luxembourg on a hot summer’s day They had seen kids doing it in a colouring book A French neighbour at our campsite invites us for oysters and crabs in spaghetti We play volleyball with the camp owner’s kids There is a path from the site to a small beach on the basin where we swim at midnight and watch the shooting stars a girl from Lille who I’ll never meet again but remember as if it were today.Simon Tobin A cafe in Saint-Germain-des-Prés dotted with white-cloth covered tables and Parisians raising their champagne flutes Madame in Yves Saint Laurent inclined her head as did Monsieur in velvet trousers Flowers spilt out in front of exquisite small shops and galleries and the elegant doors of Rue de Verneuil clutching the address of my apartment and pulling my case on wheels I walked into this scene celebrating arts and antiques week in Saint-Germain-des-Prés I saw a bunch of giddy children in lifejackets It was a perfect sunny day and their enthusiasm summed up how it felt to be a child during their summer holidays make sure you’re sheltered when eating an ice cream: French seagulls are full of confiance en soi!Eve Photograph: incamerastock/AlamyIn Chinon – a Centre-Val de Loire town that was once a royal residence and seat of power in France and the place where King Henry II Plantagenet died in 1189 – a small pathway leads from the main château to the Chapel of Sainte-Radegonde There you find a still-unresolved fresco from the end of the 12th century probably of Eleanor of Aquitaine with her son Richard the Lionheart you will find a sacred site of the Celts still in place: the aquamarine of a holy bath.Christine Zeile The prologue of the Anjou Vélo Vintage Photograph: Jonathon Short/AlamyEvery June and July the Anjou Vélo Vintage is held in Saumur on the Loire Saumur is a pretty little town with a cracking château But when it’s filled with vintage costumes it’s transformed into a carnival of colour The festivities start on the Friday evening with 1950s live music and dancing in the vintage “village” overlooking the bridge over the Loire The Saturday and Sunday have several rides leaving the town centre and spanning the fields and country lanes nearby Gaillac wine is practically unheard of outside France, but its unpretentious and discreet nature can be best appreciated by experiencing an apéro concert in and around Gaillac. These outdoor events are held on warm summer evenings at numerous local vineyards. Music varies from classical (chateau-de-mayragues.com) to rock’n’roll (lesvignals.fr) The wine has travelled no further than vine to cellar and is served by the owners themselves while food vans offer a choice of Toulouse sausages From next week we will be once again be issuing a prize – a £200 voucher for a Canopy & Stars glamping stay – for a winning tip chosen by travel expert Tom Hall.Enter next week’s readers’ tips competition: we’re looking for tips on UK campsites the picture accompanying the cycling in Normandy entry wasn’t of the correct location For clients keen on a holiday that’s hassle-free with no need to worry about luggage restrictions hopping on a ferry is an easy way to travel If you need inspiration for where clients can go by water – from parades and parties hiking events and food festivals – here are some highlights to look forward to in 2025 and the Isle of Man’s 26 dark-sky sites are the perfect spots to catch a glimpse Steam Packet Holidays has ferry and hotel packages from Heysham February is prime winter sports season in the Alps and Pyrenees so pack up the car and take advantage of the many ferry services available: sail to Calais with DFDS Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries; Dieppe with DFDS or Caen with Brittany Ferries Crossings can be combined with ski accommodation providers March welcomes St Patrick’s Day festival to Dublin Headline sponsor Irish Ferries offers ferry and accommodation packages May marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands from German occupation London is at its best in spring; hop-on hop-off day tickets from Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offer excellent views and easy access to some of the city’s most iconic attractions seals and porpoises off Scotland’s west coast from Caledonian MacBrayne’s ferries or spying puffins on the protected Cornish island of Annet Isles of Scilly Travel sails to the archipelago off the southwest coast Amsterdam is celebrating its 750th anniversary throughout 2025 book a short break or mini-cruise with DFDS or P&O Ferries for those coming from the south of England Stena Line offers rail-sail tickets from the UK to Hook of Holland including the Fête du Fromage (cheese festival) in Neufchâtel-en-Bray Book sail-and-stay packages with Brittany Ferries the Autumn Walking Festival brings hikers of all levels together for free guided walks on the Isle of Wight as the island blazes orange and red squirrels dart around while Hovertravel can combine ferry services with transport dining and attractions to help clients see the best of this Unesco Biosphere Reserve – with all the ease ferry travel brings For more information, head to discoverferries.com/trade Jacobs Media is a company registered in England and Wales Benin's Odile Ahouanwanou after the Women's Heptathlon 200m heats at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021 French police are looking for Benin track and field athlete Odile Ahouanwanou French authorities launched an appeal for witnesses on Tuesday to find the 33-year-old athlete who they said has not been seen since Sept Police said she dropped off her child at the minder’s in the morning and didn’t come back to pick her up She drives around in a Volkswagen Polo,” police said Ahouanwanou finished eighth in the heptathlon at the 2019 world championships.