Shelly's Recipe

BAKED BRIE APPETIZER WITH LEMON AND GARLIC

Category: Cheese

1 8 oz. wheel of French brie cheese, very cold
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 to 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 tsp fresh lemon zest
1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil a pie plate or other oven-safe dish.

To prepare your cheese for baking, use a very sharp knife to slice off the rind only on the top of the cheese (this will be easier if the cheese is cold and firm). Be sure to leave the rind on the bottom and sides completely intact, or the cheese will go everywhere as it melts. Set cheese in your prepared pan.

In a small bowl, combine the garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, and oil. Drizzle over the cut top of your brie wheel. Sprinkle with salt. Bake about 20 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and gooey. Let cool slightly --about 5 to 10 minutes-- before serving. Serves 5-10, depending on how much other stuff you make with it.

NOTES: Serve it with a big loaf of crusty bread as a simple cheese appetizer, or opt for a fancier presentation by making each of your dinner party guests his or her own smaller wheel of this baked brie (in which case you should cut the cooking time down slightly).