Food Network: Bite Size Goat Cheese and California Walnut Cheesecakes

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Bite Size Goat Cheese and California Walnut Cheesecakes
Recipe courtesy of Gourmet Magazine

Ingredients
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely ground California walnuts, plus 9 California walnut pieces for
garnish
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
5 ounces soft goat cheese such as Montrachet
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus additional chives for garnish
1 teaspoon finely diced red bell pepper

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 F and butter 18 gem tins (2
tablespoons each). In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, ground California
walnuts, the melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon 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 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Divide the goat cheese
mixture between the molds and smooth the tops. Set a walnut piece on top of nine
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.