What a week! Yesterday was my birthday and I did a walk through on my new home. It’s my gift to me for every birthday and Christmas yet to come but maybe not this Christmas. They promised I would be in before Christmas but it’s looking a bit iffy; seems inspectors run at their own pace, not those of an anxious to be in her own home again homeowner.
Still, it’s CLOSE and I’m excited. I can’t even remember what I own; I spent a couple of hours the other day looking at benches for my front porch and then remembered I had 2 nice iron chairs and a table for just that purpose. They might be too large but still…I totally spaced that I had them! Seeing my furniture and furnishings again and opening boxes will be my Christmas! While not having any parties this year, just you WAIT for that Open House; I’m SO ready to celebrate!
On Monday I posted a simple stuffed mushroom recipe we loved and today I have another appetizer with pretty much the same criteria. This is the ‘Year of the Quick and Easy!’
Combining warm Brie cheese with apples sauteed in butter and brown sugar is the quintessential description of easy and fabulous. Served simply with some crisp crackers and I believe we were fighting over that last bite (really no exaggeration…I’m sure there was a bidding war that took place!). A really elegant yet simple appetizer.
Using the right apple when cooking is so important. Red delicious apples are such a pretty red color but I think they are also my least favorite apple; I used to think OK for eating out of hand but today I no longer find them appealing as they always seem a bit too grainy for my taste; they are definitely too sweet and soft for success when cooking. A tart Granny Smith apple is a good choice for apple dishes that require a long cooking time and have abundant sugar added but they’re not my favorite either. Try finding some Honey Crisp, Fuji, Braeburn, Jongold, Pippins, Pink Ladys, Jonathans or Cameos. All of these are good for eating out of hand, for use with caramel apples and equally good for baking or this delicious appetizer. I could have eaten this all by myself. Maybe if I get in my house soon that’s exactly what I will do! So. there.
Caramelized Apple and Toasted Walnut Brie
10 min
12 min
22 mins
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 Small red apple, cored and sliced or chopped
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1 (15-ounce) room-temperature, ripe, round California Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup Toasted, coarsely chopped California walnuts
Directions
- Melt butter in 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add apple slices and sugar; sauté, tossing occasionally, until apples are soft and golden brown, about 12 minutes.
- Let apple slices cool slightly. Carefully place chopped apple or fan apple slices over cheese; sprinkle with walnuts.
- May be served right away, or chill if to be served later and also may be prepared several hours in advance. Serve at room temperature, accompany with assorted crackers and bread slices.
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Melty brie with gooey toppings is one of my favorite appetizers. Thanks for reminding me I should eat it again soon!
This looks marvelous! What a treat and in France this would be dessert! I have long wanted to “cook” brie or camembert with nuts and dried fruits but your version is so over-the-top better.
I hope your birthday was super special – you have so much to be thankful for this year and that is a gift in itself. But a house? Who would say no to a birthday/Christmas house? I hope you are in it in time to decorate it for the holidays! <3
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the inspectors are full of the Christmas spirit and will do everything possible to see that you are in your new home for Christmas.
This caramel apple and toasted walnut brie looks amazing. I love brie appetizers and this one is now at the top of the list.
I hope you can move in by Christmas…is there still some chance of that? This is one of my favorite types of appetizers– brie cheese with something tasty. I am stumped, though, because neighbors are coming to dinner this Friday and it will have to be a no-dairy meal. Really? Cook a meal from start to finish without butter, cheese, or cream? And it has to taste good? Help!!
Happy Belated Birthday, Barb! This twist on brie looks so good! Enjoying this with a nice glass of wine sounds perfect to me.
Dearest Barbara, happy birthday for yesterday! I have my fingers crossed for you that you can move into your new home ASAP! I know what it’s like… I’ve moved a number of times in the last decade… once you’re there, it will be sooooooooooooooooooo good! Exquisite recipe, just delicious.
Thanks Lizzie. No on the home though; now looking like after Christmas. I’ll have to make some of this to soothe my soul!
Happy Day After Your Birthday! I do hope you’ll get into your new home ASAP – I’ve lived with stuff packed up for prolonged periods, and it gets old. And yes, I’ve replaced things simply because I forgot I already owned the same thing, but it was packed up! Anyway, nice dish. I’ve made something similar in the distant (really distant!) past. Lovely combo of flavors – thanks.
Happy Late Birthday! I hope you get into your new home soon! I moved to a new place two years ago and it is so fun filling your space!
I’m excited about having a new home. Actually any home! I spent 27 years working on my last home; making it something I loved. When I bought it, everything about it was dark and dingy and I’ve painted and cleaned and redone enough to last a lifetime. This time I didn’t feel that need; it will be SO nice to have new and clean and bright! I’ve been staying with friends through this process after my home sold and while I appreciate their letting me stay here; I’m a homebody and a homebody needs their OWN home…right? 🙂
Happy Birthday for yesterday! What a delicious idea this is, I love it! I hope you do manage to move in by Christmas.
Me too Jayne. Funny the builder piddled a bit too much and now they are ready to close and are rushing me. Um, no; not til it is PERFECT!
This is fabulous. I always love the inclusion of fruit, but I’ve never used apples! Perfect!
I’ve most often been the berry type too Mimi but this was different and really good. I’m craving it again right NOW!
Your upbeat posts about your new home leave me with a smile that goes from ear to ear and THEN I see the brie. Wow – I’d love this.
Trust me I’ve had my share of howling at the wind and crying into my pillow but I’ve tried to hold on to the prize at the end. Lauren is better and my new home is almost done. So close I can almost taste it; I sure know EVERY nook and cranny! Hope when the day comes your face will crack from the smile I hope to convey. This home is just perfect for me. Small yard, lovely area, all the living areas in one big room and maybe best of all? A dedicated room next to the kitchen for photos. I mean…forget flex room, or possible 4th bedroom…those folks need to market this home to food photographers/bloggers! 🙂