Recipe - Savory Basil Cheesecake Appetizer

1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
3 tablespoon Unsalted butter; melted
1 cup Basil leaves; packed
2 Cloves garlic; chopped
One half cup Light mayonnaise
1 pound Ricotta cheese
1 ounce Blue cheese
1 One half cup Grated Parmesan cheese
One half cup Almonds;, (optional) toasted
and finely chopped
3 tablespoon Slivered almonds;,
(optional)
2 tablespoon Fresh chives;, (optional)

Prep: 15 min, plus chilling time.

Combine crumbs and butter in a bowl. Press into bottom of a lightly greased
8 or 9 inch springform pan. Chill. Combine basil, garlic and mayonnaise in
food processor or blender until smooth. Set aside. Beat together 3 cheeses
in a mixing bowl until well blended. Beat in reserved basil mixture. Spread
mixture over crust, pressing and smoothing top. Chill at least 8 hours or
overnight. When ready to serve, remove sides of pan and place cake on a
platter. Press chopped toasted almonds onto sides of cheesecake, if
desired. To garnish top of cheesecake, make `flower' with slivered almonds
and chive stems, if desired. Serve with assorted crackers, vegetable slices
and toasts. Tip: Mascarpone cheese may be substituted for the ricotta for a
smoother, milder flavor. For more cheese flavor, substitute half the
Parmesan with Asiago cheese.

Posted to recipeludigest by molony molony@scsn.net on Feb 22, 1998