Appetizer Cheesecake

     
     
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    This was made this for a group and they really enjoyed it...see note at bottom
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          2/3 C finely crushed tortilla chips, any flavor
          2 T margarine, melted
          1 C cottage cheese
          (3) 8 oz. packages of cream cheese
          4 eggs
          10 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
          (1) 8 oz. container of sour cream, yogurt or IMO
          (1) 4 oz. can chopped green chiles, ortega or jalapeno
          1 tsp Knorr Suiza or chicken consomme
          1 C chopped tomatoes
          1/2 C green onions, finely chopped
          1/2 C sliced pitted ripe olives
          1 - 2 avocadoes, sliced, put a few drops of lemon on them to prevent browning.
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          Combine the tortilla chips and margarine and press the mixture onto the bottom
    of a 9" spring pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
          Place the cottage cheese in a blender, food processor or mixer and beat until smooth.
          Combine the cottage cheese and cream cheese, mixing a medium speed until well
          blended. Add the eggs, one at a time and mix between additions. Blend in the cheddar
          cheese and chiles. Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
    Return the pan to the oven and bake for 1 hour @325F.
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          Combine the sour cream or option and Knorr or chicken consomme and mix thoroughly.
          Spread the mixture over the hot cheesecake; return to the oven and continue baking for
          another 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Loosen the cake from
          the rim of the pan; cool completely before removing the rim.
          Refrigerate the cheesecake until ready to serve.
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    Top with the tomatoes, chives, olives and avocadoes.
    I put the olives in the middle and arrange the avocado slices, tomatoes and
          chives in a pinwheel fashion, but be creative and do whatever suits your fancy.
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    Note:  This explains what one of the ingredients is ...  A good soup of any kind usually begins with a good stock, be it chicken, beef or vegetable. Many cooks in a hurry use powdered stock base - called consommé in Mexico - or bouillon cubes. Knorr Suiza is a popular brand, though it has gained many competitors in recent years.

    This was a HIT !!
    People loved this appetizer, if anyone is looking for something to bring to a 
    Holiday party, this is a showstopper! 
    Of the 40 people at the party I attended,15 requested the recipe!  ...Doug (a Growlies visitor)

     
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