This “cheesecake,” a kind of vegetarian pâté, was the centerpiece at Ethan and Susan Becker’s wedding reception.
Prepare:
Pesto Sauce
Preheat the oven to 375┬░F. Lightly butter an 8-inch springform pan. Dust the bottom and sides of the pan with:
Seasoned dry breadcrumbs
Mix together in a large bowl 1/2 cup of the pesto along with:
1 pound ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pour into the prepared pan. Bake in a water bath, until set, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the water bath and transfer the pan to a rack to cool completely. Cover and refrigerate until cold, 6 to 12 hours. Slide a thin-bladed knife around the outside of the cake and remove the outer ring. Spread the remaining pesto around the sides of the cheesecake. Spread the top with an even layer of:
1/2 cup sour cream
If desired, arrange on the top:
12 sun-dried tomato halves in oil, drained and chopped