Preparation:
Prepare pesto: Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.
Line 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with foil. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups cream cheese mixture into bottom of loaf pan; spread evenly. Spread pesto over cream cheese layer. Spoon another 1 cup cream cheese mixture over pesto, spreading evenly. Halve, seed and peel avocados. Cut each half into 8 slices but do not pull apart. Lay sliced avocado halves on cream cheese layer and top with remaining cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
Thirty minutes before serving, lift torta from loaf pan and remove foil. Serve with large slices of French bread. |