Baked Brie

An impressive and un-fussy appetizer for any party. Best part, this baked brie recipe comes together in 15 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp fig jam or honey, divided

• 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup dried mission figs, sliced

• 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

• 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup walnut hearts, roughly chopped

• 13-oz round French brie

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Place the fig jam in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 30 seconds to soften.

3. In a small bowl, combine the sliced dried figs with the nuts. Add half of the fig jam and mix well to coat the nut mixture.

4. Place the round of brie in a small cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish. Using a small knife, coat the brie with the remainder of the jam (or honey.)

5. Top the brie with the fig and nut mixture.

6. Place brie skillet or dish on top of a baking sheet. Bake in 375 degree F-heated oven for 10 minutes (or until brie softens a lot and starts to ooze).

7. Remove from oven and let baked brie sit for 3 to 5 minutes to settle before slicing or pocking at it.

8. Serve warm with your favorite crackers!

Tips:

• Brie rind is perfectly edible. I leave it on for looks…it will also hold the melted brie together and keep the toppings nicely on top. But you can, if you prefer, remove the top rind.

• You can mix the toppings however you like. If fig jam is not available to you, you can use honey, apricot jam, or orange marmalade. I like walnut hearts and pistachios, but you can also change and use pecans, almonds or other nuts that you like. Same with the dried figs, other dried fruit like apricots, cranberries or raisins will work.