Layered Cheese Spread Food

LAYERED BASIL CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Line 3-1/2-to 4-cup bowl or mold with plastic wrap, allowing excess wrap to extend over sides. Set aside.
• In medium bowl gently stir together cream cheese and tomato. Set aside.
• In food processor bowl combine basil, parmesan cheese, parsley, pine nuts and garlic. Cover and process until very finely chopped. With food processor running, slowly add oil through feed tube. Process until mixture is consistency of soft butter.
• Spread one-third of cream cheese mixture in prepared bowl. Top with one-half of basil mixture. Repeat layers. Spread remaining cheese mixture on top. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
• On serving plate invert bowl. Remove plastic wrap. Garnish with tomato and fresh basil, if desired. Serve with crackers.

PESTO TORTA (LAYERED SPREAD)

Steps:

• Slice each block of cream cheese lengthwise. Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap. Place one strip of cream cheese between two layers of plastic wrap. Flatten the cheese with a rolling pin until it is the same size as the loaf pan's bottom. Place the cream cheese into the loaf pan. Spread pesto (about 1/4 inch thick) over the cream cheese. Repeat this process until all of the pesto and cream cheese has been used. The final layer should be cream cheese. Fold the plastic wrap over the final layer, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
• When you are ready to serve, gently remove the torta from the loaf pan. Unwrap the plastic wrap. Place drained, roasted red peppers over the top of the torta.

LAYERED CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Spread Cheddar cheese into 5-inch round, about 1/2 inch thick, on serving platter; smooth side and top with small metal spatula. Sprinkle mushrooms over cheese; press lightly.
• Spread cream cheese over mushrooms; smooth side and top. Sprinkle with basil; press lightly.
• Top with Swiss-almond cheese; smooth side and top. Sprinkle bell peppers over top. Press parsley into side. Serve with crackers.

LAYERED CURRIED CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Place the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and curry powder in a small food processor; cover and pulse until blended. , Spread onto a 10-in. round serving platter. Spoon chutney over top; sprinkle with coconut, pecans, green onions and dried currants. Chill until serving. Serve with crackers.

VEGETABLE PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the tomatoes in a colander in the sink in 1 layer. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 10 minutes.
• Use a paper towel to pat-dry the tomatoes and make sure most of the excess juice is out. (You don't want very wet tomatoes or your pie will turn out soggy).
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season zucchini and squash with salt and pepper. Saute the squash in a single layer for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel
• Layer the zucchini, squash, tomato slices, and onion on the bottom of the pie shell. (Make sure pie shell is pre-baked, and completely cool, to avoid sogginess). Sprinkle basil on top.
• Combine the grated cheeses and mayonnaise together. Smooth cheese mixture over the top and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.
• To serve, cut into slices and serve warm.

SHRIMP DIP

Steps:

• Beat together the cream cheese, sour cream and mayo until smooth and creamy. Spread out on a large plate with an edge or in a 9x13 pan.
• Spread the seafood sauce over the cream cheese mixture gently.
• Sprinkle the shrimp over top of the sauce in an even layer.
• Layer the remaining ingredients however you like. I usually go green peppers, tomatoes, a little cheese, green onions and then the rest of the cheese.
• Refrigerate until serving.
• Serve with Ritz crackers for the BEST taste, but this also works with tortilla chips!

ATHENIAN CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine cream cheese and feta cheese.
• Add garlic and mix.
• Drain and chop the spinach and add to the cheese mix.
• Line a medium bowl with plastic wrap
• Layer half of the cream cheese mixture
• Add the chopped red pepper in the middle to give a layered effect.
• Finish with the rest of the cream cheese mixture.
• Cover with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate at least 6 hours.
• To serve, invert onto plate and cover the top with the chopped almonds.
• Serve with crackers or toasted French bread.

LAYERED BASIL CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Line 3 1/2-to 4-cup bowl or mold with plastic wrap, allowing excess wrap to extend over sides. Set aside.
• In medium bowl gently stir together cream cheese and tomato. Set aside.
• In food processor bowl combine basil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, pine nuts and garlic. Cover and process until very finely chopped. With food processor running, slowly add oil through feed tube. Process until mixture is consistency of soft butter.
• Spread one-third of cream cheese mixture in prepared bowl. Top with one-half of basil mixture. Repeat layers. Spread remaining cheese mixture on top. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
• On serving plate invert bowl. Remove plastic wrap. Garnish with tomato and fresh basil, if desired. Serve with crackers.