Ready for 2021? We will all agree we are ready to be done with 2020 and the challenges of this pandemic! As we look forward to the new year with hope and promise, a little (socially distanced) celebration will be fun. This Brie cheese treat is a good appetizer or snack food for the new year. We served it following a Thanksgiving dinner as an afternoon treat that wasn't too sweet or filling.
Cranberries are a favorite holiday flavor of our family. But it is mostly the grownups that appreciate the tartness of the sharp flavor. I love the bright red color also.
CREAMY BAKED BRIE WITH CRANBERRY RELISH & TOASTED PECANS
Ingredients:
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
½ cup whole berry cranberry relish
¼ teaspoon grated ginger
¼ teaspoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons toasted chopped pecans
2 teaspoon fresh chives
Crackers of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with the rack in the middle position.
2. With a sharp knife, cut a circle in the top rind of Brie cheese, leaving ¼-inch border around the top of the cheese. Carefully remove the center circle of rind and discard. Do not cut the side of the rind or the cheese will not hold its shape.
3. Place the cheese on an oven-proof baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, stir together the cranberry relish, grated ginger and orange peel.
5. Spoon onto the center of the cheese round and mound upwards.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese softens.
7. Remove from the oven and place the baking dish on a heat-safe trivet. Garnish with toasted pecans and chives.
8. Serve with crackers.
