Shelly's Recipe

GOAT CHEESE TORTA

Category: Cheese

2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, room temperature
8 oz goat cheese, room temperature
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in olive oil)
1 to 2 tbsp toasted slivered almonds
Fresh oregano or parsley sprig
Stone-ground wheat cracker or thinly sliced baguette bread

Line a loaf pan, soufflé pan, decorative gelatin mold, or 9-inch springform pan with clear plastic wrap.

In a food processor or a large bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic, oregano, and pepper; stir until well blended. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture onto the bottom of prepared pan. Top with pesto, spreading evenly. Layer with another 1/3 of the cheese mixture.

Drain sun-dried tomatoes, reserving one tomato for garnish. Cut remaining sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces; spread evenly over cheese mixture in pan. Top with remaining cheese mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and press gently to pack cheese. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Uncover and invert onto a serving plate. Cut reserved sun-dried tomato into thin slices. Garnish torta with tomato, almonds, and oregano or parsley. Serve with crackers or baguette bread.

NOTE: This can be made 5 days in advance and refrigerated, or it can be frozen up to 2 months.