Brie en Croute

Brie is one of my favorite cheeses, so mild and creamy.  It is especially delicious topped with jam, wrapped in a pastry and baked.  This recipe is very simple and makes an impressive appetizer for parties. 

Brie en Croute
Serves 8-10

2 Tbls. butter
1/4 c. sliced almonds or chopped pecans
1/2 c. jam (I like blueberry)
1 small wheel of Brie
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry
1 egg

Thaw pastry for 20 minutes.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 

In a small skillet melt butter & saute nuts for about 5 minutes over medium heat.  On a floured surface roll out thawed puff pastry (increase 1 - 2 inches in each direction).  Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.  Brush inside of pastry with egg.  Place brie in center of pastry.  Top with nuts and jam.  Gather pastry in a bundle around brie.  Tie with kitchen twine (note:  if you do not have kitchen twine you can use toothpicks to secure.  Just be sure to soak them in water for a couple of minutes first).  Brush the top with egg.  Bake for 20-25 minutes (until top is browned).  Slice open and serve with good quality crackers.