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Elegant Pesto Cheese Wreath
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By Jan McCracken
Posted July 23rd, 2007
This article is reprinted with permission from Low Carb Christmas Cookin', by Jan McCracken, (2003, Poppyseed Press)
Low Carb Christmas Cookin'
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Servings: 20
Author Notes: The recipe is part of Jan's Low Carb Christmas Goodie Swap -- see related features link below for that article and more low carb Christmas recipes.

Ingredients: Parsley-Basil Pesto:
2 cups parsley leaves
1/2 cup slivered almonds (Nice Option: pine nuts... few more carbs)
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese Wreath:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese (room temperature)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon Splenda® 1
1 teaspoon onion salt
1/3 cup roasted red peppers
assorted fresh vegetables
fresh mint sprigs
fresh cranberries (or frozen)
Note: Keep a package of frozen cranberries in the freezer for the holidays as they make great garnishes
Instructions:

Prepare the pesto as follows and set aside: Throw it ALL in the blender EXCEPT the olive oil and blend until finely chopped. With the blender running, gradually add the olive oil and blend until you get a smooth consistency. Put in a bowl and pop in the fridge until the following step is complete.

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add whipping cream, Splenda® and onion salt. Continue beating until fluffy.

Line a 5-cup ring mold with plastic wrap, making sure it is smooth and wrinkle-less, spoon half the cheese mixture into the prepared "wrinkle-less" mold. Take time to spread mixture evenly.

Spread the pesto evenly over the cheese... keyword here is evenly. Top with chopped red peppers. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Uncover the mold and invert onto a serving plate... please make the plate several inches bigger than the mold as you are going to surround it with goodies. CAREFULLY remove the plastic wrap. Smooth the top and the sides of the wreath using a flat, metal spatula. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint, forming the leaves to look like holly leaves and add the red cranberries to resemble holly berries. Surround with red and green strips of fresh peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes and any other veggie your little heart desires.

Carb count for Total Recipe: 41 grams carbs/6 grams protein = 35 net grams carbs PLUS whatever veggies you choose to serve with the Cheese Wreath.



 

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