pat's Recipe

Triple-Cheese Torta

Category: Spreads

Ingredients
2 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
4 oz. Gruyere or Swiss cheese, finely shredded (1 cup)
2 oz. blue or feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)
Skillet Roasted Tomato Topper or Apple-JalapenoTopper (see below)
Directions
1. Let cheeses stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large food processor or mixing bowl combine cream cheese, gruyere cheese, and blue cheese. Process or beat until well combined.

2. Line one 7-1/2x3-1/2x2-inch loaf pan or a 3-quart bowl with plastic wrap.


3. For Skillet Roasted Tomato Topper, spread half the cheese mixture in pan or bowl; spoon half the topper over cheese. Cover and refrigerate remaining topper. Carefully spoon on remaining cheese mixture and spread evenly. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.



4. For Apple-Jalapeno Topper, spread cheese mixture in loaf pan or bowl; cover and chill 2 to 24 hours.

5. To serve, unmold cheese onto a serving platter, removing plastic wrap. Top with remaining topper. (If making Apple-Onion Topper, sprinkle with 1/4 cup pistachio nuts, if desired.) Serve cheese appetizers with crackers, flatbreads, fresh vegetables, or fruits. Makes 24 (2-tablespoon) servings.

Skillet Roasted Tomato Topper: In a skillet heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 small red onion cut in thin wedges (3/4 cup). Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add 1-1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes; 2 tablespoons white balsamic or white wine vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; and 1 tablespoon snipped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon, crushed. Simmer, uncovered, until most of the liquid is evaporated. Remove from heat; cool slightly.

Apple-Jalapeno Topper: Combine 1 medium Granny Smith or other tart apple, cored and chopped (1 cup); 1/3 cup chopped green onions; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons minced jalapeno pepper; and 1 teaspoon sugar.
Serves 10-12.