A festive and flavourful appetizer!
It can be fun to prepare ‘themed’ food for events and this appetizer will definitely steal the show at a Canada Day party. It’s fine to serve with regular crackers, but maple leaf shaped ones created from purchased frozen puff pastry are easy and make the dish look extra special. For other events, choose whatever shape suits your festivities. If you’re looking for a great signature cocktail this summer, check out this delicious smoked watermelon margarita.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 1 wheel brie (approximately 7 oz / 200g)
- 1 1/2 cups (200 g) diced fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar
- Few grinds black pepper
Method
- Make the puff pastry crackers, if using. Preheat oven to 400F then lightly flour both sides of the pastry then roll out between two sheets of parchment paper then cut into shapes with a sharp knife or a cookie cutter. Transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking tray and prick each shape several times with the times of a fork. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed. Let cool. Store in airtight container if making up to 24 hours in advance.
- While crackers bake, prepare strawberry mixture. Place sliced berries in a bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice, balsamic, sugar and black pepper. Stir to blend well. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 6 hours before serving.
- When ready to bake brie, preheat oven to 375F.
- Very lightly score the top of the brie in a half-inch (1.25 cm) cross-hatch pattern, keeping outer ring of rind intact.
- Place brie in an oven-safe serving dish or on a small, parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, until cheese is soft and warm but not falling apart. Transfer brie to serving dish if cooked on a baking tray.
- Top brie with strawberry mixture and serve hot, with crackers.
Serves 4 as an appetizer.
Constantly Cooking with Paula Roy 