*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                     SOUTHWEST APPETIZER CHEESECAKE

Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Cheesecakes

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                       Shirley Ferguson -- mhrh24b
  8      ounce         Cream cheese -- softened
  8      ounce         Ricotta cheese
  8      ounce         Cheddar cheese -- shredded
  1      package       Taco seasoning mix
  8      ounce         Sour cream -- can use light
  3                    Eggs
  1      can           Green chilies, diced -- drained
    1/2  cup           Red bell pepper -- diced

                       -----TOPPING-----
    3/4  cup           Salsa -- med. or hot
                       Scallions -- chopped
                       Parsley -- chopped

Beat cream cheese, recotta and cheddar cheese with taco seasoning. Add sour
cream. Beat in eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Fold in
chilies and red pepper. Pour into greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350
for 50 minutes or until center of cake is firm. Cool on wire rack for 30
minutes. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Just before serving spread
salsa over top of cake and garnish with parsley and scallions. Serve with
chips or crackers. Freezes well.

**If you do not have ricotta, you can
substitute an additional 8 oz. cream cheese. I have also topped this with
William Sonoma's Geronimo peppers; (in addition to the toppings mentioned).
Made for a very festive look.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find these anywhere else.

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