BAKED BRIE WITH CROWN MAPLE® ORGANIC MAPLE SYRUP AND PEAR CONFIT
A serving size is somewhat useless in a recipe like this—whoever has access to it will eat as much of it as they can. This is a great appetizer for last-minute guests at our house, especially because it has such a pretty presentation. The warm brie topped with a slightly savory Crown Maple® organic maple syrup and pear spread is good on crackers or bread, or eaten directly with a spoon before anyone can complain.
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES COOK TIME: 10 TO 15 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 20 TO 25 MINUTES SERVES: 4 to 6 PEOPLE
INGREDIENTS:
1 (8-inch/20-centimeters) round of brie cheese
1 large ripe red pear, very thinly sliced
2 teaspoons Crown Maple® organic maple sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Grated zest of 1 orange
Dried fruit, crackers, and toast for serving
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the top rind off the round of brie. Place the brie cut-side up in a small baking dish. (You want the walls of the dish to be as close to the cheese as possible. This prevents the cheese from burning as it spreads.) Fan the slices of pear over the brie to completely cover the exposed surface of the cheese.
Stir together the Crown Maple® organic maple sugar, pepper, and orange zest in a small bowl. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the sliced pears.
Transfer the brie to the oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until the cheese just slightly oozes when poked with a fork. Serve warm with dried fruit and lots of crackers and toasted bread on the side.