Baked Brie

Brie en Croute 

Don't let the name intimidate you. Though it may look fancy, this appetizer is painstakingly simple, and requires almost no prep. If you've got parties to go to this holiday season, and you're not sure what to bring, you're in in luck! These "croutes" were wildly popular at my Thanksgiving get-together,  and you are sure to please a crowd in both presentation and in taste. This recipe is so easy to make you'll be kicking yourself for not knowing it sooner. And better yet, it's classy and oh-so impressive. 

I don't usually encourage buying store bought dough, because most dough (pasta, pizza, pie, bread) is easy and inexpensive to make yourself. However, in the rush of Thanksgiving, I did not intend on making my first attempt at puff pastry dough, and you probably don't either. So in this instance, I recommend picking up a set of pastry sheets at the store. 

**Please note this recipe will make one (1) brie en croute, but I have offered two options for filling. 

Ingredients*:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, pre-packaged
• 1 wheel of Brie 
• 1 egg beaten

Filling #1:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup walnuts 
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Filling #2: 

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds
• 1 small (8-ounce) wheel Brie
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (or your favorite jam) 

Optional:

• Crackers for serving 

Directions:

prep. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F . Defrost puff pastry for approx. 20 minutes before unfolding. 

step one. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Saute the nuts in the butter until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. 

• For Filling #1 Add the cinnamon and stir until walnuts are coated well. 

step two. Lay the puff pastry out on a flat, floured surface. Gently roll pastry with a rolling pin to increase the size of the sheet 1 to 2 inches in each direction. Brush both sides of the sheet with beaten egg. Center the wheel of Brie on top of the pastry sheet.

step three. Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Arrange the nut mixture on top of the Brie.

• For Filling #1 Sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture.

• For Filling #2 Spread Sauce (or jam) on top of the nuts

step three. Gather up the edges of the pastry, pressing around the brie and gather at the top. Gently squeeze together the excess dough and tie together with a piece of kitchen twine.

step four. Brush the beaten egg over top and side of Brie. Place Brie on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes until pastry is golden brown.

Serve with crackers.

Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen