Shelly's Recipe

BAKED BRIE PRALINE IN A SHELL

Category: Cheese

3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tbsp bourbon
1/3 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1 brie wheel or several wedges, total weight 2 1/2 lbs, white rind removed
1/2 (17.3 oz) pkg frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed

Preheat the oven to 400. Stir together first 3 ingredients. Place puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface; roll out fold lines. Spread brown sugar mixture in a 5 inch circle in center of puff pastry. Place brie round on top of pecan mixture. Wrap pastry around cheese, pinching to seal tightly, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet, folded side down. Bake for 25 minutes or until pastry is lightly brown. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with warm baguette slices, crackers and apples and pears.

Variation: Leave off the instructions for the puff pastry sheet. Preheat the oven to 350. Place brie in a 10 inch quiche or pie pan, cutting wedges to fit in if necessary. Stud the brie with the pecans, pressing the nuts into the cheese. Sprinkle the brown sugar and bourbon over the top. Bake for 15 minutes or until warm and melted. If necessary, place briefly under the broiler to caramelize the sugar, being careful not to burn the nuts or sugar. Serve immediately.