BITE SIZED GOAT CHEESE AND WALNUT CHEESECAKES

BITE SIZED GOAT CHEESE AND WALNUT CHEESECAKES image

Yield 6 hors d'oeuvre

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely ground walnuts plus 9 larger pieces for garnish
1 T melted butter
1/2 t salt
1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
4 oz cream cheese, softened
5 oz soft goat cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 T chopped fresh chives plus additional for garnish
1 t finely diced red bell pepper

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter 18 gem tins (2T each). In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, ground walnuts, melted butter, 1/4 t salt and 1/4 t pepper and stir until thoroughly combined. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the walnut mixture into each mold and press down into the bottom of the molds. With an electric mixer beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the goat cheese and beat until creamy. Add the egg and beat until well combined. Add the chives, the remaining salt and pepper. Divide the goat cheese mixture between the molds and smooth the tops. Set a walnut piece on top of nice of the cheesecakes. Top the remaining cheesecakes with the diced red peppers. Bake until puffed, about 15 minutes. let the cheesecakes cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then unmold. Garnish with chives and serve warm.