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FIESTA CHEESECAKE Source: Casa Sedona Bed & Breakfast Inn, Sedona, Arizona
1 1/2 cups finely crushed tortilla chips 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 16 ounces cream cheese, softened 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 large eggs 2 1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded Monterey jack cheese with peppers 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream 1/2 cup chopped green pepper 1/2 cup chopped sweet yellow pepper 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper 1/2 cup green onions 1 medium tomato, chopped 2 tablespoons finely chopped ripe olives 2 bunches fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Combine tortilla chips and butter; press onto bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch spring-form pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Beat all 19 ounces of cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer for 3 minutes or until fluffy; add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in cheese, chiles and ground red pepper. Pour into prepared pan, and bake at 325 degrees F for 30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. Place on a bed of fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Gently run a knife around edge of pan to release sides, and let cool completely. Spread sour cream evenly over top; cover and chill. Arrange green pepper and remaining ingredients on top as desired. Yields one 9-inch cheesecake or 25 appetizer servings.
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