Wine Pairing Recipe: Pesto Cheese Hors d’oeuvre

I’m pleased to share a Groth family wine pairing recipe — Judy Groth’s Napa Wine Auction Pesto Cheese. Mom used to serve this during summer when her basil was going crazy in the garden. She’d often make it for guests who came to Napa Valley for the annual Wine Auction. Sometimes she’d substitute a terra cotta flower pot as the mold in place of the loaf pan for a festive, garden-themed presentation. It’s delicious with Sauvignon Blanc!

Cheers,

Suzanne Groth
President & CEO

Pairing:
Groth Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Ingredients:

Cheese:

1½ pounds cream cheese
1 pounds butter
1 cup Parmesan cheese

Pesto:

3½ cups fresh basil leaves
1½ cups Parmesan cheese
¾ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ cup pine nuts
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Blend the cheese mixture until smooth. Set aside.
Use a food processor or blender to blend the pesto ingredients until well mixed.
Line a 10-cup container, loaf pan or Charlotte mold with dampened cheese cloth.
Make two alternating layers of cheese and pesto, then fold the cheese cloth over the top and refrigerate.
When the cheese is firm, remove from the mold and cheese cloth.
Wrap in plastic wrap until ready to serve
Serve with a baguette or fresh vegetables, and — of course — chilled Groth Sauvignon Blanc.