Parmesan Pine Cone Recipes

PESTO

Steps:

• Combine basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and nuts in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend to a smooth paste. Add parsley if desired.

CREAM CHEESE AND ALMOND PINECONE

Steps:

• In a 350 degree oven toast the almonds in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
• Meanwhile, combine the room temperature cheeses. Mound the cheese mixture onto the serving platter and shape into a pinecone shape with a spreading knife. Beginning at the bottom, pointed end of the pinecone begin placing the toasted almonds in rows, overlapping them slightly as you build the rows. The almonds should have the tapered end pointing downward. When it is done it will look like a huge pinecone. Decorate with silk leaves or a bow. Serve with an assortment of crackers and festive spreading knives.

PARMESAN PENNE

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook and stir beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, 1/3 cup cheese, allspice, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. , Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Gradually whisk in eggs until blended. , Drain pasta. Add the remaining cheese and butter; toss to coat. , Spread a third of the meat mixture in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with half of the pasta, a third of the meat mixture and half of the white sauce. Repeat layers. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly.