Title :: Pesto Cheese Wreath
Author :: Mrs Liz
Category :: Holiday Fun
Ingredients ::
  • Parsley-Basil Pesto:
  • 2 cups fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 Tablespoon dried basil leaves, crushed
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts OR slived almonds
  • 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
  • 2 Tablespoons olive OR vegetable oil
  • Wreath:
  • 3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream OR half & half
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/3 cup chopped roasted red peppers OR pimiento, drained
  • pimiento strips and flat leaf parsley for garnish
Description ::
Fun for Christmas holiday.

From: Jean Washburn, of Hartford, WI

Note: needs at least 8 hours to refrigerate.

Process pesto ingredients except for the oil in a food processor OR in a blender until finely chopped. With machine running, add the oil gradually until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.

Beat cream cheese and mayonnaise in a medium bowl until smooth. Beat in whipping cream, sugar and onion salt.

Line a 5 cup ring mold with plastic wrap.

Spoon half of the cheese mixture into the prepared mold; spread evenly.

Spread the pesto mixture evenly over the cheese mixture.

Top with chopped red peppers; spoon remaining cheese mixture over the peppers, spreading evenly.

Cover and refrigerate until the cheese mixture is firm, 8 hours or overnight.

Uncover mold. Invert onto a serving plate. Carefully remove the plastic wrap. Smooth top and sides of the wreath with a spatula. Garnish with pimiento strips and parsley leaves to make it festive looking.

Serve with crackers or vegetables.

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