BITE-SIZE GOAT CHEESE WALNUT CHEESECAKES

Bite-Size Goat Cheese Walnut Cheesecakes image

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely ground walnuts, plus walnut pieces for garnish
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
5 ounces soft goat cheese, such as Montreche
1 large egg, beaten slightly
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus additional for garnish
1 teaspoon finely diced red bell pepper for garnish

Steps:

Preheat over to 350F
Butter (18) 1/8 cup mini-muffing cups (about 1 3/4" across top and 3/4 " deep)
In a medium bowl, combine bread crumbs, ground walnuts, butter, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper
Stip until thoroughly combined
Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the mixture into each cup and press down into the bottom of the cups
With an electric mixture, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy
Add goat cheese and beat until creamy
Add the egg and beat until well combined
Add the chives, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper
Divide the goat cheese mixture between the cups and smooth out the tops
Set a walnut piece on top of half the cups. Top the remaining cups with bell pepper
Bake until puffed, about 15 minutes
Cool on rack in pan for 5 minutes, then unmold
Garnish with chives and serve warm