Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Torta

Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Torta photo
Makes 20 servings
CarlCarl Kleinebecker

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

ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (packed) fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 2/3 cups cream cheese, room temperature (about 21 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/3 cups drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • Fresh basil sprigs
  • Toasted pine nuts
  • Baguette slices, toasted

directions

  • 1

    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.

  • 2

    Coarsely chop tomatoes in processor. Add tomato paste and process until mixture is almost smooth. Add 1/3 cup cream cheese and blend well.

  • 3

    Using electric mixer, beat 2 cups cream cheese and butter in large bowl until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.

  • 4

    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.)

  • 5

    Invert torta onto platter. Peel off plastic. Garnish with basil sprigs and toasted pine nuts. Serve with baguette slices

notes

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

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