Sun Dried Tomato Biscotti With Basil Cream Cheese Topping Food

SAVOURY MEDITERRANEAN BISCOTTI

Steps:

• In large bowl, beat eggs and sugar.
• Add olive oil until smooth.
• In bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper and basil and oregano.
• Stir dry ingredients into egg mixture until blended.
• Stir in cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and olives and combine thoroughly.
• Divide dough into 2 pieces and shape each into a log about 10 inches long.
• Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet and flatten tops slightly.
• Bake in preheated 325°F oven for 30 minutes or until pale golden and not quite firm to the touch.
• Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes.
• Transfer to cutting board and slice into 1/2 inch diagonal slices with serrated knife.
• Place pieces on baking sheet and return to 325°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until firm and dry.
• Turn over partway through cooking time.
• Cool on rack.
• Makes about 3 dozen.
• Store in airtight container.

SUNDRIED TOMATO AND BASIL CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Mix all three ingredients by hand and serve as a topping to toasted bagels.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO DIP

Steps:

• In a food processor, mix the sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Process until well-blended. Add basil, and continue processing until smooth. Chill at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• In a non-stick pan, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
• Saute the garlic.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, whipping cream & brandy.
• Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Just prior to serving, whisk in butter.
• Stir in the cooked bow tie pasta.
• Toss with fresh basil.
• Serve.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL CHEESECAKE APPETIZER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a food processor, blend the bread, 1/2 cup softened butter and 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Spray cooking oil in the bottom of a nonstick 91/2-inch springform pan. Cut a piece of parchment to fit the bottom of the pan. Press crumb mixture into pan, going up 1/4 inch on sides. Refrigerate.
• Beat the cream cheese until smooth in a sturdy electric mixer. Add chopped onion, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup melted and cooled butter, 1 tablespoon oil and herbs from the tomato jar, and the basil. Add eggs, 7 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sour cream, blending until smooth.
• Pour a third of the filling into the refrigerated crust. Add a layer of about 15 coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, followed by another third of the filling. Add a thin layer of pesto (don't go too close to the edge with this) and remaining third of filling.
• Bake 50-60 minutes on second-to-lowest rack of oven, placing a foil sheet underneath to catch drippings. When set in center, turn off oven and let the cheesecake sit 20 more minutes. Cool and refrigerate for a day.
• Remove sides of pan and place cheesecake on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and pieces of sundried tomato. Enjoy with crackers or rustic breads.

AMAZING SUN-DRIED TOMATO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat the cream and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until almost boiling, but do not boil. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and stir until melted. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and serve over pasta with a sprinkling of pine nuts.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO CREAM CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients and stir together.