When it comes to the American Idol auditions, there's a phrase that each contestant dreams of hearing: "You made it to the Top 24!"

Party Tip of the Week

As the hopefuls battle it out to make the cut, invite your pals to a Top 24-themed Idol viewing party. Ask your guests to draw random numbers out of a bag. The ones who pick a lucky "24" must serenade everyone with a song, even if they can't carry a tune!

The delicious recipes this week are Parmesan and Artichoke, Bacon Appetizer Crescents and Famous Queso Dip!

Recipes of the Week

Parmesan and Artichoke

What You Need
2 lemons, divided
2 fresh artichokes, trimmed
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Make It
Quarter 1 lemon; place in large pan of boiling water. Add artichokes; cook 30 min. or until bottoms of artichokes are tender and a leaf from each can easily be pulled out. Drain. Discard lemon wedges; cool artichokes slightly.

Cut artichokes lengthwise in half. Scoop out fuzzy centers with spoon; discard. Place artichokes on platter.

Squeeze 2 Tbsp. juice from remaining lemon; mix with oil and mustard. Drizzle over artichokes; sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 10 min.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Trimming & Cooking Artichokes
Wash artichokes. Cut about 1 inch off top of each artichoke, then trim stem. Remove any loose leaves near bottoms of artichokes. Use kitchen shears to cut off sharp tips from remaining leaves; discard tips. Cook as desired. Since artichokes vary in size, cook times will vary from 20 to 40 min. Artichokes are done when the bottoms are tender and leaves can easily be pulled out.

Bacon Appetizer Crescents

What You Need
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled
1/3 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
¼ cup finely chopped onions
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp. milk
2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

Make It
HEAT oven to 375°F.
MIX all ingredients except crescent dough.
SEPARATE each can of dough into 8 triangles; cut each triangle lengthwise in half. Spread each dough triangle with 1 generous tsp. cream cheese mixture; roll up, starting at short side of triangle. Place, point-sides down, on baking sheet.
BAKE 12 to 15 min. or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Size-Wise
Enjoy eating appetizers at a social occasion, but be mindful of portion size so you don't overdo it on calories.
Substitute
Prepare using PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese.
Special Extra
Sprinkle lightly with poppy seed before baking.

Famous Queso Dip

What You Need
1 lb. (16 oz.) VELVEETA®, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained

Make It
MIX ingredients in 2-qt. microwaveable bowl.
MICROWAVE on HIGH 5 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted, stirring after 3 min.
SERVE with assorted cut-up fresh vegetables, WHEAT THINS Original Crackers or tortilla chips.

Ro*Tel is a product of ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Size-Wise
When eating appetizers at a social occasion, preview your choices and decide which you'd like to try instead of taking some of each.
Creative Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover dip. Reheat and serve spooned over hot baked potatoes or cooked pasta.
Substitute
Prepare using Mild Mexican VELVEETA with Jalapeno Peppers.