Layered Basil-Roasted Red Pepper Spread

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp planters almonds toasted sliced
• 0.3 cup lightly basil fresh packed
• 5  olives black pitted chopped
• 12 oz philadelphia cream cheese spread 
• 1 clove garlic peeled
• 15 servings ritz crackers 
• 0.3 cup roasted peppers red

Equipment

• blender
• plastic wrap
• cookie cutter

Directions

1. Cut star shape from 1 pepper, using 1/2-inch cookie cutter; set aside. Chop pepper trimmings and remaining peppers; mix with olives.
2. Blend cream cheese spread, basil and garlic in blender until smooth. Wash cream cheese tub; line with plastic wrap, with ends extending over side of tub.
3. Spoon 1/2 cup cream cheese mixture into tub; top with olive mixture and remaining cream cheese mixture. Press firmly into tub with back of spoon.
4. Refrigerate 1 hour. Unmold cheese spread onto plate; discard plastic wrap. Top cheese spread with nuts and pepper star.
5. Serve with crackers.