Brandied Brie: Easy Appetizer for a Christmas Party

This brandied brie recipe is perfect for Christmas entertaining and makes a great appetizer to keep holiday dinner guests at bay while putting the finishing touches on your meal.

Ingredients

* 2 wheels Brie Cheese

* 3 Tbs. Brandy

* 3/4 cup light brown sugar

* 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (pecans may be substituted if you prefer)

* 1 large apple, cut into 1/4 inch slices and dipped in lemon juice to prevent darkening

* 2 to 3 clusters seedless grapes

* Artificial or non-poisonous greenery for garnish

Cooking Instructions

At least one day before serving, combine brandy, brown sugar, and chopped nuts in small bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to prepare this dish, preheat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully peel away the rind on the sides and top of the brie. Rind may be left on top of one wheel to be used as the bottom of the stacked appetizer.

Place both wheels of brie at least 1/2 inch apart on an oven safe dish and place in preheated oven for 5 minutes to soften. Remove from oven. On the wheel of brie to be used on the bottom (rind side down), spread layer of brandy mixture on top and sides. Return bottom wheel of brie to oven for 2 minutes. Remove from oven.

On the second wheel of brie, spread layer of brandy mixture on top and sides. Place this wheel of brie on top of the wheel just removed from the oven. Return stacked brie to oven for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and place on festive plate large enough to accommodate the brie, crackers, and fruit.

Surround brie with clusters of seedless grapes and apple slices. Rim crackers around brie and fruit.

Garnish with greenery or decoration appropriate for season or event. For example, at Christmas you might use a small pick of berries or holly purchased from a craft store. If served at a bridal shower, a decoration of double gold rings makes a nice accoutrement. Use your imagination!

This recipe serves approximately 20.