My mom experimented with this little confection for our upcoming New Year’s Eve party. It is, I can report, as toothsome as it is pretty. The recipe came from one of those free pamphlets that float about at this time of year. This one is from Nabisco.
Basil and Roasted Red Pepper Spread
1/4 cup drained roasted red peppers
5 pitted black olives, chopped
12 oz. PHILADELPHIA cream cheese spread
1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil
1 clove garlic
2 TBSP PLANTERS sliced almonds, toasted
RITZ crackers (I like TRISCUITS and they are still a Nabisco brand….)
Using a cookie cutter, cut a star from the red pepper and set it aside. Chop the rest of the pepper and combine with olives.
Blend the cream cheese spread, basil and garlic in a blender until smooth. Clean cream cheese tub and line with plastic wrap.
Spoon 1/2 cup cream cheese mixture into the tub. Top with olive mixture and remaining cream cheese mixture. Press firmly into tub.
Refrigerate 1 hour. Unmold onto plate, discard plastic wrap. Top with nuts and pepper star. Serve with crackers and a Sauvignon Blanc.
Yes, it is festive looking, and with that combination of ingredients will be foolproof and delicious. Over the years I’ve noticed that some of the recipes that food products have on their packaging are exceptionally good. They’ve usually been tested and tweaked to perfection, and the manufacturers want the product to be appreciated in the best possible light.
Thanks for sharing and all the best in MMXI.
Ummm, lovely.
Happy, happy new year and, of course a bonne année aussi — makes no sense, but whatever. . .
Warm regards,
Tish