Congratulations to Kelly Daniels, creator of the winner of our Gourmet Smoked Foods Contest! Kelly will receive a Cookshack Smokette Model 008 for her efforts.
SAVORY SMOKED MOZZARELLA AND TOMATO CHEESE CAKE
� lb. seasoned Italian herbed croutons (homemade or purchased), ground fine in food processor
� lb. melted salted butter
1 � lbs. smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 � lbs. cream cheese
2 lbs. smoked diced tomatoes, peeled and seeded
1 lb. smoked sweet onion, small dice
3 oz. cornstarch
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. cracked black pepper
� cup fresh basil, minced
� cup fresh chives, minced
5 each whole eggs
3 each egg yolks
Yield: One 12” or four 4” individual cakes.
Combine the finely ground croutons and the melted butter. Divide the crouton mixture between the spring form pans and press evenly over the bottom and sides of the pans. Set aside and continue.
Mix the cream cheese, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and cornstarch in a mixer and mix until completely smooth. Add the whole eggs and egg yolks and mix until incorporated. Add the tomatoes, onions, basil, and chives. Fold in lightly.
Divide the mixture between the crouton crust lined spring form pans. Bake at 350F until set, approximately 3 hours for 12” and 50 - 60 minutes for 4” pan. Cool before removing from spring form pan. Refrigerate until served.
Serve at room temperature as an appetizer with tomato coulis or fresh pesto.
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