Warm Brie with Baked Apples

Warm Brie with Baked Apples Recipe from Belgium

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Warm Brie with Baked Apples is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the creamy richness of brie cheese with the sweet and tart flavors of baked apples. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as an elegant appetizer for a dinner party.

History

The combination of brie cheese and baked apples has been a classic pairing in French cuisine for centuries. Brie cheese, a soft and creamy cheese that originated in the region of Brie in France, pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors of baked apples. This dish is a modern twist on a traditional French recipe, perfect for showcasing the flavors of both the cheese and the fruit.

Ingredients

4 large granny smith apples
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large unripe wheel of brie
1 medium onion
0.5 cup raisins
0.25 cup sugar
0.25 cup honey
0.33 cup lightly toasted sliced almonds
0.5 cup grapes, sliced in half
1 loaf of crusty bread, sliced

How to prepare

Peel, quarter, and slice the apples.
Sprinkle the apples with lemon juice to prevent discoloration; set them aside.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan.
Chop the onion.
Add the onions and sauté until lightly browned and caramelized.
Remove the onions from the pan and transfer them to a plate; set them aside.
Add the honey and sugar to the pan and stir until they have liquified.
Add the apples and continue stirring until the apples are almost cooked.
Add the grapes and raisins.
Continue cooking until the sugar has caramelized.
Pour the apple mixture into a 2 qt (1.89 liter) ceramic souffle dish or any other ovenproof dish.
Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the mixture.
Cut the brie into 1" chunks and spread them evenly over the apple mixture.
Bake uncovered at 400°F (204°C) for 12–15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned lightly golden.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.
Substitute pears for the apples for a different twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a ripe wheel of brie for this recipe, as it will melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to the dish.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.

- Serve the warm brie and baked apples with crusty bread for dipping and scooping up all the delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the warm brie with baked apples with a side of crusty bread for dipping and scooping up all the delicious flavors.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the brie and apples together allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into a creamy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use camembert cheese as a substitute for brie if desired.

- Substitute dried cranberries for the raisins for a tart and sweet flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The apple mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake with the brie.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the warm brie with baked apples in a decorative ceramic dish for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the brie and apples.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

32g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy (brie cheese)

Summary

This dish is a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying and delicious option for a meal or appetizer.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Warm Brie with Baked Apples. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves turning shades of red and gold, and the air filled with the scent of cinnamon and cloves. I had stumbled upon the recipe in an old cookbook that I found tucked away in the back of a dusty bookstore.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watered at the thought of melting cheese and sweet apples coming together in a warm and gooey dish. I knew I had to try it out for myself. I rushed home, eager to get started on this new culinary adventure.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed - a wheel of creamy brie cheese, a few ripe apples, some brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of brandy for good measure. I preheated the oven and got to work peeling and slicing the apples, tossing them with the sugar and spices, and drizzling them with the brandy.

Next, I carefully sliced the top rind off the brie cheese, exposing the creamy interior. I placed the cheese in a small baking dish and surrounded it with the sweet apple mixture. As I slid the dish into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

As the cheese began to melt and the apples softened and caramelized, the aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely divine. The sweet and savory scent wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation of the delicious dish that was about to come out of the oven.

Finally, the timer dinged, and I carefully removed the dish from the oven. The brie was perfectly melted, oozing out of its rind and mingling with the sweet apples and spices. I couldn't wait to dig in.

I scooped up a gooey spoonful of warm brie and baked apples and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the creamy cheese, the sweet and spicy apples, the hint of brandy - it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe, one that would become a staple in my culinary repertoire for years to come. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, to see the looks of delight on their faces as they tasted this delicious creation.

And so, that is how I learned to make Warm Brie with Baked Apples - a recipe that has brought joy and warmth to my kitchen and to the hearts of those I love. I will always cherish the memory of that crisp autumn day when I first discovered this culinary treasure, and I will continue to delight in the magic of cooking and sharing meals with the ones I hold dear.