Serves 4 – 6
Let’s ring in 2023 with an easy appetizer and a bubbly cocktail! This Baked Brie wrapped in puff pastry is like a wonderful present ready to unwrap! The semi-soft cheese melts to creamy perfection, and the caramelized pears and walnuts complement the cheese ever so wonderfully. Assemble this appetizer ahead of time, then bake just before serving.Enjoy with a Blushing French 75 and celebrate the New Year ahead!
Ingredients:
2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced (we used Bosc pears)2 tablespoons sugar1 tablespoon brandy1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese1/4 cup pecan halves1 sheet frozen, prepared puff pastry1 egg, beaten
Cocktail Ingredients (Serves 2)
4 oz gin1 oz fresh lemon juice2 teaspoons sugar4 oz brut blush champagne or sparkling roséTwist of lemon
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the pears. Cook the pears in a small skillet. Stir in the sugar and cook until the pears begin to thicken slightly. Add the brandy and lemon juice. Cook until the pears are tender.
- Defrost the puff pastry enough so that it unfolds easily without cracking, but yet not too warm. Place the puff pastry in the bottom of an oven-safe skillet, or baking dish.
- Place the Brie wheel, (whole with rind on) in the center of the puff pastry. Top the cheese with the caramelized pears and 1/4 cup pecan halves.
- Lightly wet the edges of the puff pastry with a pastry brush dipped in water, or with a wet fingertip. Cover the cheese by bringing the corners of the pastry together over the cheese. Pinch the pastry edges together to form a good seal.
- Brush the top of the puff pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and the pastry is a lovely golden color. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Blushing French 75 Cocktail:
- Shake the gin, lemon juice, and sugar with ice until cold. Strain into a champagne or coupe glass. Top off with blush champagne or sparkling rosé, and garnish with a lemon twist.