Decadent Brie Dessert

We have often been getting glimpses of hope for warmer weather only to be struck back again. Our latest round of the white stuff (and hopefully the last) brought thoughts of yet another transitional dish for this time of year. Cheese. Melty, gooey, gorgeous cheese. While most of us see it as a part of a sandwich, the variety we looked into this week is one that can stand on its own.

Of all the 2000 plus cheese options there are out there Brie is one of the few cheeses that can be fully customized to meet any season. This bloomy rind cheese can be topped with sweet, savoury and even spicy options if the mood were to strike. While there are versions of Brie which can bring out the true characteristics of this cheese, the majority, if not all you will find at the supermarket are considered young, or stabilized varieties which while it may be lacking in some areas it offers up a perfect opportunity to personalize your very own cheese.

This week, as a tribute to both cold, wintery days that have passed and summer fun that are yet to come we have done a baked Brie with maple syrup and pecans. This heavenly, rich, dessert like cheese is one that should only be attempted only if a crowd is near: very simple, very sweet and oh to die for.

1 wheel Brie Cheese
¼ cup maple syrup
100 g pecans

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2) Place unwrapped wheel of Brie in baking dish
3) Lay pecans over top of the cheese
4) Cover pecans and Brie with maple syrup
5) Place in oven for 15-20 min.
6) Serve hot, with any residual syrup in the pan poured back over the cheese

This cheese dish is one to make note of. While not an every day dish, the mixture of sugar and creamy indulgence is one that, in the right quantity, can both brighten your day and leave you fulfilled at the end of a meal. Brie is one cheese you can be sure will make an appearance again in the brighter days of summer. Such a robust cheese does deserve more than just a simple flash in the pan, or the oven, so to speak.