We Cook! Mill’s Tavern Baked Brie with Roasted Garlic, Glazed Almonds, Spiced Honey & Crostini

Baked Brie with Roasted Garlic, Glazed Almonds, Spiced Honey & Crostini (Serves 4):
This elegant yet simple to prepare appetizer combines creamy baked Brie with sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for any gathering!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For the Baked Brie:

• 1 small wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
• 1 head of garlic
• Olive oil for roasting
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
  

For the Glazed Almonds:

• 1 cup whole almonds
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
  

For the Spiced Honey:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Crostini:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
  

INSTRUCTIONS:

Roast the Garlic:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
3. Drizzle the garlic head with olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil.
4. Roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.
5. Let cool, then squeeze the garlic out of the skins and set aside.
   

Prepare the Glazed Almonds:

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the almonds and stir to coat evenly.
5. Spread the almonds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the almonds are golden and glazed.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Break apart any clusters.
   

Prepare the Spiced Honey:

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Warm gently, stirring until the spices are well combined.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Crostini:

1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Broil for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Bake the Brie:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place the Brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small ovenproof dish.
3. Top with roasted garlic and a few thyme sprigs, if using.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the Brie is soft and melty.
5. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
   

Assemble and Serve:

1. Drizzle the spiced honey over the baked Brie.
2. Sprinkle the glazed almonds on top.
3. Serve with the crostini on the side.

Tips:

• For a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic the day before and let it cool completely before using.
• Substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds if preferred.
• Adjust the spices in the honey to suit your taste.

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About Executive Chef Edward Bolus and Mill’s Tavern:

Edward Bolus is the Executive Chef at Mill’s Tavern, a fine dining establishment in a unique urban setting at the foot of historic College Hill, located at 101 North Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island, where he and his team deliver an impressive menu that combines local and seasonal ingredients in innovative and exciting new ways.

Chef Bolus’ knowledge and skills coupled with a passion for improvisation guarantees guests with a noteworthy and elevated dining experience. The Tavern’s fruits and vegetables are harvested from area farms, its chops and steaks are cut daily, and the seafood is always fresh.

Located in the century-old Pilgrim Mill’s Building in Providence, the Mill’s Tavern dining room has rustic brick walls, polished dark woods, vaulted casement ceilings and linen tablecloths that work together to impart a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance. A wood-burning oven—used in much of the cooking–glows cheerily from an open kitchen, where the bustle of busy chefs and food servers lends an energetic vibe. The sleekly designed and fully stocked bar serves a wide array of cocktails and beers, and also offers the opportunity for casual dining.

Additionally, Mills Tavern is known for its extensive and award-winning wine selection and was the recipient of Wine Spectator magazine’s “Award of Excellence” for 10 consecutive years. It was also named the best steakhouse in Rhode Island by Yelp, based on volume and ratings of reviews in 2023.