Elle's Kitchen: Brie en Croute

Looks Impressive but Simple to Make

In French the term en croute means

in a crust.  This appetizer will wow your

guests but only you will know how simple

it was to prepare.  You can prep this ahead

of time and pop it in the oven just before

guests arrive, making it even easier.

Ingredients:

1 egg

1 Tabl. water

flour

1/2 of a 17.3oz pkg. of

Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry

(thaw for 30 minutes)

1/2 cup apricot preserves

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

13 or 16oz. round of brie

Serve with baguette or crackers

or sliced apple or all 3!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Beat together egg & water, set aside.

Flour work surface and roll out thawed

 puff pastry to a 14" square.  With a knife

or pizza cutter, round off edges and save

scraps for later.

Spread preserves leaving a 1" margin.

Sprinkle with dried cranberries and

toasted sliced almonds.

Place round of Brie in center.

Note: Do not do it as pictured! 

I am adding this to show my

mistake.  I had a large wheel of

Brie that I wanted to finish and

thought it might work for this.

But alas, no.  There was too much

melting and leaking during the cooking

 process.  Use a smaller, entire wheel.

Brush edges with the egg & white

mixture.  Fold edges up and over brie,

sort of like wrapping a package, remove

any preserves that may ooze out as that

will burn during cooking.  Place seam

side down on a baking sheet and decorate

with cutout shapes from the reserved scraps.

Brush surface with egg mixture.

Note: If preparing ahead, refrigerate after

being placed on baking sheet.  Do not brush

with egg mix until ready to bake.  Add an

additional 10 minutes to baking time.

Bake for 20 minutes or until top is

golden brown.  Let stand for 30

minutes before serving.

Enjoy with those you love!