Layered Sun-dried-Tomato-and-Basil Spread

Prep: 25 min., Chill: 8 hrs. Make this recipe up to 3 days before the party.

Yield: Makes 20 servings

Ingredients

• 2  (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4  cup  butter, softened
• 1  teaspoon  salt, divided
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper
• 1 1/3  cups  sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
• 2  (3-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened and divided
• 1/3  cup  tomato paste
• 4  garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 1/2  cups  firmly packed fresh basil
• 1/4  cup  pine nuts
• 2  tablespoons  olive oil
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
• 1/4  cup  grated Parmesan cheese
• Vegetable cooking spray
• Garnishes: fresh rosemary sprigs, sun-dried tomatoes
• Crackers or baguette slices

Preparation

Beat 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Set aside.

Process dried tomatoes in a food processor until chopped. Add 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, tomato paste, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; process until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Spoon into a bowl, and set aside. Wipe container of food processor clean.

Process garlic and next 4 ingredients in food processor until chopped. Add Parmesan cheese, remaining 3-ounce package cream cheese, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; pulse just until blended, stopping to scrape down sides.

Spray a 6-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Spread 1/2 cup butter mixture evenly on bottom of springform pan. Layer with half of tomato mixture, 1/2 cup butter mixture, and half of basil mixture; top with 1/2 cup butter mixture. Repeat layers with remaining tomato mixture, 1/2 cup butter mixture, and remaining basil mixture. Top with remaining butter mixture. Cover with plastic wrap; chill at least 8 hours.

Run a knife gently around edge of pan to loosen sides. Remove sides of pan; carefully remove bottom of pan, and place layered spread on a serving tray. Garnish, if desired. Serve with crackers or baguette slices.