Pesto Appetizer?

[SierraCook]

The law enforcement officer that I work with made this recipe and gave it to me. I think I just might be what you are looking for.

Pesto Cheesecake

1 package fresh basil, about 1/2 cup
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese -- grated
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese -- grated
2-8 oz. packages cream cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese -- grated
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
3 large eggs
1/4 cup pine nuts

For Pesto: Finely chop first three ingredients in processor. With motor still running pour olive oil slowly down feed tube, process until well incorporated. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and blend well. (If desired use 1/2 cup commercial pesto sauce.)

For Cheesecake: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Rub butter over bottom and sides of 9-inch springform pan. Mix breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons Parmesan and coat pan with the crumb mixture. Using an electric mixer beat cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, salt and cayenne in a large bowl until light. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Transfer half of mixture to medium bowl. Mix pesto mixture into remaining half. Pour pesto mixture into prepared pan; smooth top. Carefully spoon plain mixture over; gently smooth top. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup pine nuts and bake until center no longer moves when pan is shaken, about 45 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

[kitchenelf]

It's one of my favorites and it's very easy.

Cut a baguette and bake the slices with a little drizzled olive oil.

Get some plain goat cheese (chevre) and some roasted red peppers and slice the peppers in thin julienne strips.

People can assemble themselves. Slather the baguette with some goat cheese, then the pesto, then top it with a couple strips of red pepper.

Easy and no fuss except for baking/grilling the baguette slices.