BAKED BRIE

Yesterday I made reference to Baked Brie.  I had a reader ask me how to do that. So here is a simple but elegant way to serve Baked Brie

First buy good Brie. It is the main attraction so don’t skimp.  Next but some frozen pastry sheets. Let them thaw out overnight in the fridge.  The dough has to be completely thawed when you start.  20 minutes before you are ready put the Brie in the freezer so it gets hard enough to work with.  When you are ready, lay the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured board. If there are any tears or holes just fix by pushing the dough together.

 Take the Brie out of the freezer and unwrap it.  Place in the center of the pastry sheet.  Take a sharp serrated knife and trim the top of the rind off the Brie.  The rind is bitter and this allows the topping to set on the cheese.   Now for the topping. Use one of these or make your own.

1. Cranberry and Rosemary Syrup.
2. Chopped nuts with Honey
3. Any good fig jam or preserve
4. Orange Marmalade.

These are only suggestions.

Once that is done, fold the corners of the pastry over the top and pull the lose ends up.  You can make a “Beggars Purse” by slight twisting the ends and corner that you pulled up and then using a straight piece of dough to make a bow tie. Use a spatula to lift the package on to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Once that is done, brush the entire top with an egg wash.  Bake in a 375-degree oven until the top is golden brown.    Serve with good crackers or baguette rounds.

Entertaining for New Year's Eve

I know many people will have guests over for the New Year.  Whether it is a cocktail party or an afternoon brunch most will have some Appetizers.  I have some suggestions that may help.

Cocktail Parties - We have all been to one of these where the only food was chips and nuts.  Not a good idea when people are consuming alcohol. At the same time you want to be able to spend time with your friends and not be a short order cook.  Try some of these.

Stuffed Mushrooms - some time to prepare but you can have some done ahead and another pan in the fridge ready.  I use a hot sausage combined with the stems and bread crumbs. If you would like recipe just leave a comment below and I will post.

Cheese Straws - easy make ahead food that people love

Good Cheese - Sharp Cheddar, Stilton Blue and baked Brie -  all great choices and ready when the guests arrive with no fuss.. But do use a great cracker or small baguette rounds.

For Brunch -  Try my Spinach Quiche - serve it at room temp in small slices on a serving plate. Or use a small muffin tin and make mine quiches,. 

French Onion Soup - ready ahead and served as they sit down.  It holds heat well and frees up your time.

Deviled Eggs instead of a hot egg dish like omelets can be a great switch.  If you like add some Caviar to some of the eggs.

Small red potatoes - boiled with the skin on cut in half and then served with some sour cream and Caviar can also work

Salad - a field green salad with nuts and cranberries served with a Balsamic Vinaigrette is a great addition to a brunch.

These are just a few ideas that will let you have a party without spending extra time in the kitchen while your guests are waiting.

So what are your ideas?

Tired of Turkey?

I had a great Christmas Dinner with friends.  But the next day I was full of turkey and needed something a little different.  So I made a Pizza. A Great Pepperoni Pizza!  Just right for those winter days when all of the mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing is making you feel - well stuffed!  Here is the quick recipe.  I had all these in my pantry so it was easy.

Crust

1 package yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup of warm water
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil.

Put the yeast and sugar in the water to dissolve and get foamy.  That will take about 10 minutes to proof the yeast. If it is not foamy after 10 minutes your yeast is dead.  Start over. The water should be about 100 degrees - not too hot or it will kill the yeast.

Put the flour and salt in your mixer and stir to combine.  Add the yeast mixture and the Olive Oil.  mix on low speed until it comes together.  Then need for 7 - 10 minutes.  Put the dough in an oiled bowl and turn to cover the dough with oil.  Cover with a towel and let raise until doubled in size.  Punch down and kneed slightly to get the air out.  Depending on the size Pizza you want, you can cut the dough in half or use the whole batch.  I use the bottom of my large spring form pan - just right for one or two people.  Or a Half sheet pan for larger pizza.

Oven temp --- convection 375   Regular Oven  400  preheat oven

Spread the dough out and top with your favorite pasta sauce, then cover with cheese and add the pepperoni or other toppings.  Cook for 15 - 20 minutes.    Enjoy!