On the 3rd Day of Christmas, the Recipe Diva made for me...

Maple & Pecan Baked Brie

This appetizer is definitely a crowd pleaser and couldn't be easier!   Using store-bought puff pastry, I put this dish together in about 5 minutes.  I was introduced to this combination of ingredients by a good friend quite a while ago so I decided to turn it into a festive holiday appetizer.  Using the pastry not only allows you to prepare this dish ahead of time but also makes it a bit more portable if bringing to a party, not to mention the fun you can have adding a bit of flair with the leftover pastry!

Ingredients

1 small wheel of brie

3 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 cup pecans

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 package of store-bought puff pastry, thawed

1 egg

 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Cut brie in half and top bottom half with half of brown sugar, pecans, and maple syrup.  Place top back on brie.

2. Top brie with remaining brown sugar, pecans, and maple syrup and wrap brie with puff pastry seam side down.  Trim excess and use to create decorative pieces of pastry if desired. 

3. Mix egg yolk with 1 tsp water and brush over pastry.  Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden.

Serve with bread or crackers.  I also love using apricot preserves for a fruitier and less rich version but the possibilities are endless!