Oh my land - this elegant appetizer tastes heavenly! Come November, I start to crave this holiday appetizer. It has made it's welcome appearance at many holiday and New Year's parties over the years, always fetching rave reviews. From the caramel-like blending of brown sugar and butter to the melted Brie accented with apples, cranberries and almonds - the flavor combinations can't be beat.
I'll admit that the photo does not do this appetizer justice. The melted goodness of the Brie is difficult to capture with a camera. Trust me that it is absolutely delicious. The Hubs could not stop raving about it (as it only makes a seasonal appearance at our place, I think he forgets about it!)
Baked Brie with Apples & Cranberries
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped apple (about 1/2 of a medium apple)
1/4 cup slice natural almonds
1/4 cup dried cranberries (I have also used dried cherries)
1 Tab. brown sugar
1/4 teasp. cinnamon
1 Tab. butter
1 8 ounce round of Brie cheese (about 4 inches in diameter)
Serve with: toasted baguette slices, apple slices, assorted crackers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coarsely chop apple and then combine with almonds, cranberries, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in butter just until ingredients are moistened.
2. Cut Brie in half horizontally and place one half rind side down. Spoon half of the apple mixture onto bottom of Brie, spreading evenly. Top with remaining half of Brie, rind side up. Spoon remaining apple mixture on top.
3. Bake 12-15 minutes or until cheese is soft and just begins to melt.
Makes 8 servings.
