Snacks

Ingredients

• Serves 6:
• 1 cup California walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 1 small clove garlic (optional)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup water or low-fat milk
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 6 (1/2-inch thick) diagonally cut slices artisan bread
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Extra California walnuts, chopped
• Sliced heirloom tomatoes
• Fresh or dried oregano and freshly ground pepper (optional)

Preparations

• Place walnuts, parsley and garlic in a blender or food processor; pulse until the ingredients are very finely chopped.
• Add feta, cottage cheese, water or milk and seasonings and puree until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and cover tightly; refrigerate until chilled. (May be prepared several days ahead.)
• Brush each bread slice with a little olive oil, then broil until toasted. Spread about 3 1/2 tablespoons of walnut cheese mixture on each bread slice and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
• Top with thick slices of tomato, a sprinkling of oregano and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately.
• Recipe tip: Try our Whole-Wheat Walnut Artisan Bread. Herbed or sourdough bread work well for this recipe too.