posted by Foodie49 01-10-100 8:24 PM
Bite-Size Goat Cheese Walnut Cheesecakes
1/2 fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely ground walnuts, plus walnuts for garnish
1 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
4 oz. cream cheese
5 oz. soft goat cheese
1 large egg, beaten lightly
1 tbsp. fresh chives, plus additional for garnish
1 tsp. finely diced red bell pepper, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 18 (1/8 cup) mini muffin cups.
In medium bowl combine crumbs, walnuts, butter, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper and thoroughly combine.
Spoon a heaping teaspoon into each cup and press down into the bottom of the cups.
With electric mixer beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add goat cheese and beat until creamy. Add egg and beat until well combined. Add chives and the remaining salt and pepper.
Divide goat cheese mixture between the cups and smooth tops. Set a walnut on top of half of them. Top the remainder with red pepper.
Bake until puffed - 15 minutes. Let cool on a rack 5 minutes and then unmold. Garnish with chives and serve.