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Cook Smart:Camilla's Catering Secrets for Home Cooks

Cheese Torta with Pesto

Serving Size:12+

Prep: 20 minutes/chill 4 hours

Appetizers/Italian/Party

Easy, do ahead of time
   

This is a dome shaped cheese appetizer with a pesto filling. It's wonderful and unusual. If you are having other appetizers this will easily feed 35-50 people. Prepare this in advance, cut it into small wedges and keep it frozen for a quick, last minute appetizer for friends! Great for gifts, too!
   

STEPS

INGREDIENTS
  1. Cheese:
    Soften the cream cheese and butter. (In the microwave, about a #2 setting).

1 lb cream cheese

1 lb butter

  • Combine the cheese and butter in a bowl (or food processor). Set aside.

  • Pesto: Yield: 1 2/3 cups
    Combine these ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
    		•

    2 cups fresh basil

    2 t. fresh garlic, minced or my garlic puree

    2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or an Olive Oil Dipping Sauce

    1/2 t. salt
  • Assembly: Line a 1 quart shallow bowl with cheesecloth or plastic wrap. Cloth or wrap should drape over the sides of the bowl about 2-3".
    		•

    cheesecloth or plastic wrap
  • With a rubber spatula, spread 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture into the bowl, spreading it up the sides a few inches.
  • Place 1/2-2/3 cup of the pesto mixture on the cheese. Keep it 1" away from the inner edges of the bowl.

  • Spread on another 1/3 of the cream cheese, spreading up the sides, as above, another 1/2-1/3 of the pesto, and top with the remaining cream cheese. Smooth out the top. Cover. Chill or freeze.

    • A few sprigs of parsley or fresh herbs, for garnish

    1 box good quality mild crackers

    To serve:

    Thaw if necessary. Remove the torta from the bowl and peel off the cheesecloth. Place on a plate, rounded side up. Garnish with the parsley or a few sprigs of fresh herbs.

    		  

    Serve at room temperature with crackers. Rich and delicious.

    		  
    ©2007 Camilla's Catering