New Year’s Eve Cheese Torta Recipe

This recipe is quick, easy and can be made well in advance. It freezes nicely too. I often take it to New Year’s Eve gatherings with nacho chips and it is always a favorite. It’s well received at any gathering as an appetizer too. A side from the cream cheese which holds it all together, you can use any variety of cheese and seasonings to suit your own personal tastes… it’s very versatile.

Directions:

Yield: One cheese ball

1. Blend the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add grated cheese, bell pepper, hot pepper, and parsley to the cream cheese. Mix together with the blender.
3. Line a small bowl with plastic wrap. This bowl is what will give the torta its rounded shape. Pack the mixture tightly into the bowl.
4. Once you have packed the cheese into the bowl, place another piece of cellophane across the top of the cheese torta and place in the refrigerator for approximately two hours to harden.
5. After it has cooled, remove the top layer of plastic wrap. Place a plate over top of the bowl and then flip the bowl over, so the round side is facing towards the ceiling. Remove the bowl and remove the plastic wrap. Garnish with a few hot bell peppers and you will have a great looking cheese torta, unwrapped and perfectly shaped, that is ready to serve!