Layered Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Spread |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 20 Minutes Servings: 20 |
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From Cooking Light. The photo of this is absolutely gorgeous! Perfect for a Christmastime appetizer - stripes of red, white and green. Ingredients:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened |
3/4 cup butter, softened |
1 teaspoon salt, divided |
1/4 teaspoon pepper |
1 1/3 cups sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained |
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened and divided |
1/3 cup tomato paste |
4 garlic cloves, chopped |
1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh basil |
1/4 cup pine nuts |
2 tablespoons olive oil |
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice |
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese |
vegetable oil cooking spray |
fresh rosemary sprig |
sun-dried tomato |
crackers or baguette, slices |
Directions:
1. Beat 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Set aside.
2. Process dried tomatoes in a food processor until chopped. Add 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, tomato paste, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; process until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Spoon into a bowl, and set aside. Wipe container of food processor clean.
3. Process garlic and next 4 ingredients in food processor until chopped. Add Parmesan cheese, remaining 3-ounce package cream cheese, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; pulse just until blended, stopping to scrape down sides.
4. Spray a 6-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Spread 1/2 cup butter mixture evenly on bottom of springform pan. Layer with half of tomato mixture, 1/2 cup butter mixture, and half of basil mixture; top with 1/2 cup butter mixture.
5. Repeat layers with remaining tomato mixture, 1/2 cup butter mixture, and remaining basil mixture. Top with remaining butter mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; chill at least 8 hours.
6. Run a knife gently around edge of pan to loosen sides. Remove sides of pan; carefully remove bottom of pan, and place layered spread on a serving tray. Garnish, if desired. Serve with crackers or baguette slices.
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