Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Torta

You can make this up to three days ahead; be sure to start at least one day in advance.

  • 1½ cups (packed) fresh basil leaves

  • ¼ cup pine nuts

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

  • 2⅔ cups cream cheese, room temperature (about 21 ounces)

  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1⅓ cups drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

  • ⅓ cup tomato paste

  • ¾ cup butter, room temperature

  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray

  • Fresh basil sprigs

  • Toasted pine nuts

  • Baguette slices, toasted

  • Finely chop garlic in processor. Add basil, ¼ cup pine nuts, oil and lemon juice. Process until well blended. Add ⅓ cup cream cheese and ¼ 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 ⅓ 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 ¾ cup cream cheese-butter mixture evenly over bottom of prepared dish. Top with half of tomato mixture, then ½ cup cream cheese-butter mixture, then half of pesto mixture. Repeat layering with ½ cup cream cheese-butter mixture, remaining tomato mixture, ½ 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

Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Torta photo
notes:

From the kitchen of: Bon Appétit | December 1999 via Ann Kleinebecker

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