Spinach Appetizer Torte With Provolone Recipe 455

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350ºF.
• Crush 20 crackers; mix with butter. Press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Stand remaining whole crackers around inside edge of pan.
• Beat cream cheese and sour cream in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each just until blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into crust.
• Bake 45 to 50 min. or until top is puffed and center is set. Cool slightly. Refrigerate leftovers.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. Unroll 1 tube of crescent dough and separate into triangles. Press onto bottom of prepared pan to form a crust, sealing seams well. Bake until set, 10-15 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach and mushrooms; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender. Drain on several layers of paper towels, blotting well. In a large bowl, whisk 6 eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper., Layer crust with half of each of the following: ham, salami, provolone cheese, red peppers and spinach mixture. Pour half of the egg mixture over top. Repeat layers; top with remaining egg mixture., On a work surface, unroll and separate remaining crescent dough into triangles. Press together to form a circle and seal seams; place over filling. Whisk remaining egg; brush over dough., Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°, 1 to 1-1/4 hours, covering loosely with foil if needed to prevent overbrowning. Carefully loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove rim from pan. Let stand 20 minutes.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together chopped spinach, dry bread stuffing mix, eggs, Parmesan cheese, onion, butter and Cheddar cheese. Cover and chill in the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes.
• Drop the mixture by rounded spoonfuls onto a lightly greased large baking sheet. Place baking sheet in the freezer approximately 1 hour.
• When ready to bake, allow the balls to partially thaw, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
• Bake the balls in the preheated oven 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Steps:

• Dust the sides of a buttered 9 inch pan with 2 Tbs. breadcrumbs. Combine remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bow; stir well. Press mixture in the bottom of 9 inch pan; refridgerate until batter is complete. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add half-and-half, salt, ground red pepper and black pepper; blend well. Stir in Provolone cheese. Divide batter into two equal portions; set aside. Melt remaining 2 Tbs. butter in a large skillet; add mushrooms, leeks, and garlic. Saute until leeks are tender. Remove from heat, and blend in spinach. Add spinach mixture to one half of cream cheese batter; blend well, and pour into prepared crust. Add roasted red bell peppers to remaining half of cream cheese batter; blend well, and pour evenly over spinach batter. Tap pan gently on counter to remove any air pockets. Bake in a preheated 325 over for 1 hour or until just set. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours before serving. Remove torte from pan, and garnish with fresh leeks and red bell pepper strips. Serve at room temperature with toasted French bread baguette slices.