Ingredients:

• 1 eight ounce cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup softened butter
• ½ cup minced basil
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Beat the cream cheese, and butter with an electric mixer until smooth.  DO NOT USE A FOOD PROCESSOR.  Stir in the basil, walnuts, vinegar, garlic, red pepper and salt and pepper until combined.
2. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to three days.  For a salad topping you can also shape it into a log and wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.  When ready to make the salads, slice the log into ½ inch coins, put in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes and then broil until they start to melt.  Serve them over mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.

Comments: In addition to a spread, this cheese is also wonderful slightly warmed and sliced atop a salad.