Festive Holiday Cheese Spread

Name: Festive Holiday Cheese Spread
Yield: 32 servings of (about 1 tbsp/15 mL spread)
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (175 mL) pecan halves, toasted, divided; 2 cups (500 mL) fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil; 1 pkg (8 oz/250 g) shredded Italian cheese blend (2 cups/500 mL), divided; 1 jar (12 oz or 370 mL) roasted red bell peppers, drained and patted dry; 2 pkgs (8 oz/250 g each) cream cheese, softened; 3 garlic cloves, pressed; Assorted crackers or vegetables (optional)

Ingredients

3/4 cup (175 mL) pecan halves, toasted, divided
2 cups (500 mL) fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1 pkg (8 oz/250 g) shredded Italian cheese blend (2 cups/500 mL), divided
1 jar (12 oz or 370 mL) roasted red bell peppers, drained and patted dry
2 pkgs (8 oz/250 g each) cream cheese, softened
3 garlic cloves, pressed
Assorted crackers or vegetables (optional)

Directions

Coarsely process pecans in Manual Food Processor. Set aside 3 tbsp (45 mL) for garnish. Add basil, oil and 1 cup (250 mL) of the cheese to processor. Process until finely chopped.
Transfer basil mixture to a small mixing bowl. Dice peppers and add to mixing bowl; stir until combined. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic and remaining cheese. Mix until smooth.
Line Small Batter Bowl with plastic wrap. Spread 2/3 cup (150 mL) of the cheese mixture over bottom of batter bowl. Top with 1 cup (250 mL) of the basil mixture. Spread evenly. Repeat with additional 2/3 cup (150 mL) of cheese mixture and remaining basil mixture. Top with remaining cheese mixture. Cover with lid.
Chill spread one hour or until firm. Remove lid and invert onto serving platter. Remove plastic; top with reserved pecans and serve with crackers or assorted vegetables, if desired.

Yield:

32 servings of (about 1 tbsp/15 mL spread)

Nutrients per serving:

(about 1 tbsp/15 mL spread): Calories 100, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 120 mg, Carbohydrate 1 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 3 g