Basil-Roasted Red Pepper Spread

1/4 cup drained roasted red peppers
5 pitted black olives, chopped
1 12-oz tub cream cheese spread
1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil
1 clove garlic
2 Tbsp sliced almonds, toasted
Party crackers (Ritz, Wheat Thins, etc)




Cut star shape from one pepper, using star-shaped cookie cutter; set aside. Chop remaining peppers, combine with olives.
Blend cream cheese, basil and garlic in blender until smooth. Clean cream cheese tub; line with plastic wrap.
Spoon 1/2 cup cream cheese mixture into tub, top with olive mixture and remaining cream cheese mixture. Press into tub.
Refrigerate 1 hour. Unmold onto plate and discard plastic wrap. Top with almonds and pepper star, and serve with crackers.