Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Dreaming of Light Meals on the Deck




With dreams of nicer weather, I keep thinking of evenings on the deck with good friends. There are times when we just kick back and don't feel like fussing. We start with a crisp white wine and baked Brie. This particular one is a favorite and is wonderful served with sliced apples and pears. After that we have a beautiful antipasto....garlicky salami and sausage in oil, smoked provolone, a tangy wedge of gorgonzola, kalamata black olives, garlic green olives, succulent vine ripened tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and tuna in olive oil. Serve along with a crusty baguette and a good Chianti. For dessert, an aperitif of limoncello or sambuca and a cup of espresso with a little lemon rind to end a lovely evening. Ah...dreams of summer.... soon we will be able to share this al fresco meal....soon.....
Baked Brie
3 tablespoons brown sugar

1/3 cup chopped almonds
8 ounces brie cheese
3 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 frozen puff pastry
1 egg white

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degree C). Lightly grease a 9 inch pie pan.
2. Slice the wheel of Brie in half, horizontally, so that the halves are two, flatter wheels of Brie. Lay the puff pastry in the pie pan. Place half of the Brie (rind-side down) onto the pastry dough. Sprinkle almonds, brown sugar, and fruit preserves evenly over the top. Place the other half of the Brie (rind-side up) over the almonds. Bundle the pastry dough around the Brie.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Linda! I can't wait for warmer weather so I can eat out on my patio! I love brie!

    I tagged you for a really great game. Come on over and have a look!

    XOXO
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brie is my absolute favorite cheese. I could eat the whole thing myself!

    Love your new header!

    ReplyDelete
  3. OMG! These dishes look amazing, I love the brie. I have to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. The brie is amazing! What a treat both dishes would be.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am fainting here! Your description of your evening repast and the brie recipe are too good!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Linda! I love that header!! So pretty! And even the thought of eating outdoors again is wonderful! Your menu sounds yummy!!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda these are my favorite types of meals. I love the balance of flavors it's just too bad I pig out!! Beautiful antipasto.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts! I am so glad you took time to visit me.