Happy Father's Day to all of our Dads!

Hope all you Dads out there are recognized well on your
special day tomorrow! I have to say I could not appreciate
the guys in my life more I have truly been blessed with
the best! From my father and father-in-law to Hubby, my
grandpas, all of my brothers and extended family I love
you all! And I had better watch out because Hubby has been
holding down the fort in the kitchen lately I may just have
to turn over my column to him someday (don't tell him I said
that ;o)

Today I'm bringing back a favorite from the archives..the
tastiest appetizer spread but you may need a breath mint
after. It's a LAYERED BASIL PESTO SPREAD and served with
basket of toasted French bread on the side but you could
do your favorite crackers or other dippers with this too.
The best part was when I found out how simple this was to
make and wanted to share it with you as a great quick
standby or bring-along recipe for any Summer gathering.

Ooh and be sure to look below for the PESTO SAUCE recipe
too!

Enjoy! Marzee
Marzee Email Me



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RECIPE: QUICK LAYERED PESTO SPREAD

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INGREDIENTS:

1 8-ounce package plain cream cheese, softened
8 ounces of store bought basil pesto sauce in oil
(or homemade if you're feeling ambitious)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, diced (plum tomatoes are best for this)

DIRECTIONS:
Spread softened cream cheese over entire bottom of a shallow
serving platter or pie plate. Evenly spread pesto sauce over
the cream cheese. Sprinkle garlic over pesto and top with
the chopped tomato. Place a spreader or small spoon in the
dish for topping on toasted French bread.

Serving Suggestions: This is great spread over toasted French
bread slices, your favorite crackers, toasted bagels or pita
chips cut into wedges, or that packaged cocktail rye bread.

Categories: Appetizers, Dips & Spreads




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*** FROM SCRATCH PESTO SAUCE RECIPE ***

This most aromatic basil and garlic sauce is terrific
tossed with any type of pasta, spread over grilled fish,
with tomatoes, and many other foods. You can buy it at
the store but here's how you can make it at home in
the food processor too.

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups fresh basil, 8 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup pine nuts,
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese,
1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Add basil, garlic and pine nuts to the food processor
and pulse until finely chopped. Stir in oil, parmesan
cheese, salt and pepper and mix on low just until blended.