Pesto And Pepper Vegetable Torta Recipes

PESTO, OLIVE, AND ROASTED-PEPPER GOAT CHEESE TORTA

Steps:

• Drain pesto in a small fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl 15 minutes, then discard excess oil.
• Lightly oil loaf pan and line with a sheet of plastic wrap large enough to allow a generous overhang on all 4 sides.
• Blot peppers well between paper towels to remove excess liquid.
• Spread about one fourth (1/2 cup) of cheese evenly over bottom of loaf pan and top with all of pesto, spreading evenly. Drop 1/2 cup cheese by tablespoons over pesto and spread gently to cover pesto.
• Top with chopped peppers, spreading evenly. Drop another 1/2 cup cheese by tablespoons over peppers and spread gently to cover peppers.
• Spread olive paste evenly on top, then drop remaining cheese by tablespoons over olive paste, spreading gently to cover olive paste. Cover pan with another sheet of plastic wrap and chill at least 8 hours.
• Remove plastic wrap from top of pan and invert torta onto a serving plate, then peel off remaining plastic wrap. Let torta stand at room temperature 20 minutes before serving.

INSTANT PESTO TORTA WITH BREAD AND VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Line a small shallow dish or bowl with plastic wrap or waxed paper. Coat wrap with vegetable spray. Arrange a pattern in bottom of the dish using the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Add 1 1/2 tubs of garlic and herb cheese (about half a pound) to the dish and smooth over, then layer in the sun-dried tomato spread and the pesto. Spread the remaining cheese on top of the pesto. Place a serving plate over the bowl and invert the bowl. Hold on to the edges of the waxed paper or wrap to release the cheese. Remove the waxed paper or plastic wrap. Arrange the sliced baguette along 1 side of the torta.
• Arrange carrots and tomatoes along the opposite side of the torta.

PESTO & ROASTED-PEPPER GOAT CHEESE TORTA

Steps:

• Drain pesto in a small fine-meshed sieve set over a bowl for 15 minutes; discard excess oil.
• Lightly spray a glass bowl or loaf pan with vegetable spray and line with plastic wrap large enough to allow a generous overhang on all sides.
• Blot peppers well with paper towels to remove all excess liquid.
• Spread 1/3 of the cheese evenly over the bottom of the pan or bowl and top with the pesto. Drop another 1/3 of the cheese by tablespoons on top of the pesto and spread gently to cover it. Top with chopped peppers, spreading evenly and finish by dropping the remaining 1/3 of cheese by tablespoons on top of the peppers. Spread evenly.
• Cover with another sheet of plastic wrap and press it down on top of the cheese.
• Chill at least 8 hours.
• Once chilled, remove covering of plastic wrap and invert the bowl or pan onto a serving plate, then peel off the remaining plastic wrap.
• Let torta stand at room temp for 20 min before serving.