Baked Brie in Pastry
Perhaps the easiest and most delicious appetizer ever created...
This is a great recipe because you can mix the flavors to your preferences- select your favorite variety of fruit preserves and nuts. Store-bought chutney in place of the preserves provides a flavorful alternative. If you prefer a more savory appetizers substitute spicy Dijon mustard and a teaspoon of chopped thyme in place of the preserves.
1 wheel of brie
1 sheet of puff pastry
¼ cup of apricot your favorite flavor of fruit preserves
¼ cup pine nuts or sliced almonds lightly toasted
1 tablespoon of butter
Assorted crackers, fruit and nuts
Preheat oven to 375°. Thaw the frozen pastry and lay on a baking sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil. Place the brie in the center of the puff pastry. Spread the preserves over the top of the brie and sprinkle with the toasted nuts. Gather the puff pasty up over the sides of the brie and bring them together in the middle of the brie- press together to ensure a seal. If you are using a large wheel of brie you may need two sheets of pastry. Melt the butter and brush all over the pastry-wrapped cheese. Position rack in center of oven, bake at 375° until pastry is deep golden brown about 20-25 minutes.
Using a metal spatula, transfer warm cheese to a large platter and surround with apple or pear wedges, raspberries or blackberries, crackers and walnuts. Cut first wedge of cheese before serving.