Kristi, I love serving appetizers to my guests, this is a recipe I have used often with rave reviews. You can make the marmalade ahead and refrigerate it or freeze it for longer storage. Wheat thins are very good with this. I have warmed this on the bbq using the indirect heat method when it's too hot to turn on the oven. Sometimes I warm the marmalade in the microwave then warm the cheese a bit in the microwave and top with the marmalade and warm a bit more. You have to really watch it if you are using the microwave so you don't overdo it. I include my notes with the recipe. Enjoy, and have fun at your party!
CRANBERRY GLAZED BRIE
You can make this with those little 3-4" rounds of Brie you find in the grocery with the marmalade halved. I usually buy enough wedges to make up the amount needed. I have also used the large wheels. The marmalade freezes well. The other day at Costco I saw the right size round, 2.2 lbs for $7 something, I think, a lot less than the $16 I paid at the grocery for wedges to equal 2.2 lbs!!
FOR THE MARMALADE: 3 cups cranberries (I used frozen the first time I made it, I have also used fresh, it worked well either way) 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup dried currants (I usually use raisins) 1/3 cup water 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
One 2.2 lb. Brie cheese Wheel (8" diameter) Crackers, apple slices, pear slices, etc.
FOR THE MARMALADE: Mix all in saucepan. Cook over me-high heat until most berries pop, stirring frequently. (Takes about 5 min.) Cool mixture to room temp.
FOR THE CHEESE: Using a sharp knife, cut circle in toprind of cheese, leaving 1/2 inch border of rind along the edge. Place cheese in an 8" diameter ceramic baking dish or a cookie sheet lined with foil. Spread marmalade over exposed cheese.
Bake at 300 degrees F until soft, about 12 minutes. (I find that temp a bit low and the time a bit too short)
Serve cheese warm or at room temp on a large platter surrounded with crackers and fruit slices. |