Bake that brie

Gooey, runny, delicious – bake brie (or camembert) cheese is all of those.

A treat for any occasion, it can be customised to personal tastes, and baked several ways. Bake it in puff pastry like a pie, in a cast iron pan Mediterranean-style, or in a ceramic dish. A wheel or whole cheese is best to use, rather than just a wedge, and try experimenting with different toppings.

Here are some ideas to try:
Toppings or inserts (these can layer on top for baking, or in the centre if the cheese is cut in half, then put back together).
Honey, walnuts, and rosemary.
Pizza style (salami, anchovies and olives).
Marmalade and chopped macadamia nuts.
Figs, brown sugar, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Truffle butter (in season).

Bake In a hot over at 350 degC for 5-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. Allow to cool for five minutes before serving.

Serve With a crusty French loaf, plain or lavosh crackers, or apple slices.

Spiced nuts

Ingredients — Serves 8

1 Tsp each of cumin, coriander, mustard and fennel seeds
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/2 Tsp black peppercorns
1 Tsp ground turmeric
2 Tbsp soft brown sugar
350g mixed nuts such as peanuts, cashews, macadamias and pecans
2 Tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160 degC. Place all spices in blender, and grind to a fine powder.
2. In a large bowl, mix the nuts and spice powder together. Add the olive oil and mix through.
3. Bake 10-15 minutes until nuts colour slightly. Cool and nibble. Store in an airtight container.