We Cook! Baked Brie with Roasted Garlic, Glazed Almonds, Spiced Honey & Crostini

This elegant yet simple to prepare appetizer or special snack combines creamy baked Brie with sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for any gathering!

So if you’ve had enough dip and chips to last you a season, try ending the winter with a little something special in front of that movie – with a great bottle of wine.  We suggest a pairing with a sparkling wine or champagne – a buttery Chardonnay – a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Serves: 4

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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

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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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Recipe by Chef Edward Bolus, Mill’s Tavern, Providence