Layered Sun Dried Tomato And Basil Spread Food

LAYERED SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL SPREAD

Steps:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

TOMATO-BASIL CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Put the cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and basil in a food processor. Process until smooth and the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Season to taste and pulse 3 times to mix evenly. Serve with toasted bagels. Can be made 1 day ahead.

PESTO TORTE

Steps:

• Beat cream cheese and butter until well blended.
• Mix pesto and parmesan cheese in small bowl.
• Line two 8 oz custard cups (or loaf pan) with plastic wrap.
• Divide cream cheese mixture into four parts (2 for a loaf) Spoon 1/4 of cream cheese mixture into each custard cup.
• Sprinkle each with 1/4 of the tomatoes.
• Spread 1/4 of the pesto mixture over tomatoes.
• Repeat layers.
• Fold plastic wrap over each torte, sealing well.
• Chill overnight until firm.
• Unmold, remove plastic wrap.
• Serve with crusty French bread slices.
• Garnish with chives, parsley, or"whatever" for color.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO/BASIL SPREAD

Steps:

• Throw it all in a processor and mix until well blended. Will keep very well covered for a week or more. A bit easier if the cream cheese is room temperature. Enjoy!

SUN-DRIED TOMATO SPREAD

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
• Add remaining ingredients; mix well.
• Serve with sliced French baguettes or crackers.
• Variation: Substitute roasted red peppers for the tomatoes and walnuts for the pecans.

LAYERED SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL PESTO DIP

Steps:

• Spread whipped cream cheese in serving dish (best if done at room temp).
• Top with pesto, then sun-dried tomatoes.
• Sprinkle with pine nuts.
• Serve with pita chips or crackers. Yum!

BASIL AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO DIP

Steps:

• Stir the sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together in a bowl; whisk the tomatoes and basil through the sour cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator at least 1 hour.

CREAMY BASIL AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO VEGAN PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta.
• While pasta is cooking, blend tomatoes, tofu, garlic, basil, and salt in a food processor or blender until smooth.
• Set aside.
• When pasta is almost done, add broccoli to pasta water and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
• Drain and return pasta/broccoli to pot.
• Add sauce and toss well.
• Serve immediately.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND PESTO TORTA

Steps:

• Finely chop garlic in processor. Add basil, 1/4 cup pine nuts, oil and lemon juice. Process until well blended. Add 1/3 cup cream cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Using on/off turns, process just until blended. Transfer pesto to medium bowl.
• Coarsely chop tomatoes in processor. Add tomato paste and process until mixture is almost smooth. Add 1/3 cup cream cheese and blend well.
• Using electric mixer, beat 2 cups cream cheese and butter in large bowl until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spray 6-cup soufflé dish with nonstick spray. Line with plastic wrap, extending plastic over sides. Spread 3/4 cup cream cheese-butter mixture evenly over bottom of prepared dish. Top with half of tomato mixture, then 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture, then half of pesto mixture. Repeat layering with 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture, remaining tomato mixture, 1/2 cup cream cheese-butter mixture and remaining pesto. Top with remaining cream cheese-butter mixture. Cover and chill overnight. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
• Invert torta onto platter. Peel off plastic. Garnish with basil sprigs and toasted pine nuts. Serve with baguette slices.