Friday, July 17, 2009

Melody's Brie Cheese Appetizer


Our member, Melody, taught us at the Lamb and Shamisen meetup how to make this scrumptious appetizer using brie cheese, dried fruits and various nuts.

http://www.meetup.com/LACookingRecipesDiningandFrench/calendar/9567717/?from=list&offset=0

She also showed us how to make Greek cheese pie called Tyropitakia using three kinds of cheeses (feta, cottage, and parmesan), spinach, egg, wrapped in phyllo dough. At the same meetup, Allen taught us to cook braised lamb shanks, roasted beets and grapes salad, sun-dried tomato and raisin couscous, and Anne demonstrated how to bake clouftis with cherry. We spent more than 8 hours in a kitchen and a living room cooking, eating and talking! We also learned how to play traditional Japanese music instruments including Shamisen (three-string instrument) and Tsuzumi (large and small Japanese drums). What a fun day we had!! Thank you all for coming, and especially Joanne, who generously opened her house.


Melody's Brie Cheese Appetizer

Ingredients:

Just a couple of handfuls of your favorite nuts and dried fruits  (slivered almonds, pistacchio, pecans..)
dried cranberry
dried currants or golden raisins
dried cherries about 1 1/2 cups
Butter
One round of brie (in the little round wooden or paperboard box)
honey (you may substitute brown sugar)

You can use a wedge but its not at pretty! Place the brie on the center of a small plate. Melt some butter in a small skillet over medium low heat then add the nuts and saute until just starting to turn golden, then add the dried fruits.

Continue to saute until nuts are starting to brown then lower flame and add a couple of tablespoons of honey (you may substitute brown sugar) and stir until everything is smooth and glossy.

Spoon over the brie, arranging the nuts and fruit along the edge so they are even and attractive, then place in the microwave and heat on high for 1 minute (oven temps may vary). It will ooze the soft cheese from the center when you slice into it.

Serve with thin slices of baguette or water crackers

More recipes by Melody, Allen, and Anne will follow....

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