Baked Brie

Hello Everyone!  I hope you all had a fabulous holiday ~

We were surrounded by friends and family all weekend.  Once the big day finally arrived, it was as if time finally slowed down and we could all breath again - taking in all the moments.  Santa arrived right on schedule and did not disappoint. Despite the fact that my son had a horrible rash, as a result of an allergic reaction to amoxicillian, he was as happy as could be on Christmas morning. His eyes wide with wonder as he saw the empty cookie plate and glass of milk that we put out the night before.  He tore through each gift like his life depended on it and said "OH Wow" probably about a hundred times.  I know these moments will not last forever, so for now I have to soak up every second.  He was red and itchy, but when he realized that Santa had read his letter and brought him exactly what he wanted, he didn't have a care in the world.  He has a new best friend and his name is Santa. 

The best part was that we actually had snow...for about 5 minutes!  We were standing in the kitchen and I looked out my slider and saw snowflakes!  We couldn't believe it.  But in the time it took me to run to the bedroom to get my camera it was over : ( 

Someone was definitely sending us a message though.  We really did have a white Christmas after all. 

Well....sort of.

It seems like this week everyone is walking around like zombies - all tired and haggard (or maybe they are just too full from all the eating...)  It's been a slow week at work, as half of my office is on vacation.  As for me, I'm tired but can't rest until after New Years.  Too much to do.  We are planning a New Years Day celebration at our house with our closest friends and I couldn't be more excited.  It's going to be a pizza party!  I'm going to make the dough in my new bread machine (so excited!!!! thanks Mom!!!).  I see lots of bread in our future!

In case you are having a celebration of your own, here is an idea for an appetizer that you will love. 
Baked Brie.  I made this on Christmas eve and everyone loved it.  It's really easy to make and tastes delicious. 

You will need:

1 wheel (about 2 lbs) Brie
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 package frozen puff pastry (thawed)
1 egg (for an egg wash)


In a medium bowl combine the chopped nuts with the brown sugar.

Lightly flour your work surface.  Place 2 sheets (one box) of puff pastry on work surface, one on top of the other.  Using a rolling pin, adhere the two pieces together.  Continue rolling until the pastry is very thin.  Place the Brie in the center to make sure the pastry is big enough to cover it. 

Top the Brie with the sugar and nut mixture, covering the entire top of the cheese. 

Pull up the sides of the pastry up to cover, and gently "wrap the cheese". 

Transfer to a foil lined cookie sheet and brush with an egg wash. 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake Brie for 30 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 and bake an additional
25-30 minutes.  The pastry will puffed and dark, golden brown....

Ta-daaaa!!!!

Slice pastry with a serrated knife and pull back to reveal the melted cheese, brown sugar, and nuts inside.  YUM!

Serve with crackers. 

Enjoy ---

I hope you all have a happy and safe New Years.  I have been mentally making my resolutions and I have some BIG ones this year.  I always love the start of a new year because it's the perfect time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh - in all areas of my life. 

I'm praying for strength, peace, and hope in 2012.  I wish you all the same as well. 

Happy New Year Friends!

Be back soon xo