Holiday Recipe: Brie en Croûte

This festive appetizer is the perfect addition to your holiday spread, combining creamy brie, flaky puff pastry, and a sweet, spiced pecan topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and elegantly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

• 1 wheel of brie cheese

• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)

• Optional: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry and Brie:

   • Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Place the brie wheel in the center of the pastry.

3. Make the Cinnamon Pecan Topping:

   • In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast them lightly, stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in the cinnamon sugar and stir until the pecans are well-coated and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Assemble the Brie:

   • Spoon the cinnamon pecan mixture on top of the brie, spreading it evenly. Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry up and around the brie, gathering at the top. Secure the gathered pastry with kitchen twine to create a neat bundle.

5. Egg Wash and Bake:

   • Brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny crust. Transfer the brie bundle to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

6. Serve:

   • Let the baked brie cool for about 5-10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for a festive touch, if desired. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit.

Tips:

• For a sweet-savory twist, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the pecans before folding the puff pastry.

• Add dried cranberries or apricots to the pecan mixture for extra holiday flair.

This gooey, nutty, and buttery baked brie will be the star of your holiday gathering. Enjoy!

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