adapted from Maine Ingredients cookbook, Portland, ME
Ingredients
1small apple, I prefer McIntosh
1/3cupgolden raisins
1cupapple cider mixed with ¼ cup sugar
14-6 inch round of Brie
1/3cupdried cherries or Craisins
½cupchopped pecans
¼cupsugar
dash cayenne
1loaf frozen bread dough, Rhodes or a store brand works
1beaten egg
sliced baguette or crackers
Instructions
About 2 hours before baking, thaw dough on counter.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare the bread ring
Split the loaf into three equal pieces. Roll dough out into long rope so you have three long ropes of dough about 18-24 inches long.
Starting at one end, place dough on counter and begin braiding. Press dough together and tuck ends under. Shape with hands so dough is even in width throughout braid.
Unwrap the Brie from round paper carton, set aside. Cover the empty carton with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray around sides to prevent dough from sticking to carton.
Form the braided dough around the foil covered carton on a foil or parchment covered cookie sheet or pizza pan without sides. Let rise for about 20-30 minutes. Brush lightly with beaten egg. You will only use a portion of the egg wash. Discard the rest.
Bake the braided bread ring for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool and remove Brie carton.
After the bread ring has cooled for about 10 minutes, unwrap the cheese, and place in center of the bread ring.
Prepare the fruit and nut topping
Core and chop the apple. Place in a saucepan with raisins, cider, and ¼ cup sugar. Boil gently until the apples are tender, but not mushy (approx 5 minutes).
Strain the liquid from the apples, mix in dried cherries or Craisins, and place on top of Brie.
In a separate pan (preferably Teflon), cook the pecans with ¼ cup sugar and cayenne over medium heat until the sugar caramelizes. Remove from pan, break up the nuts when cooled a bit and sprinkle on top of fruit mixture.
Bake the braided bread and Brie with topping for about 10 minutes or until Brie is softened. Be careful to not overcook! The Brie melts quickly when overheated.
Slide the bread ring filled with Brie onto a serving platter. Serve immediately with baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
I usually purchase Brie at Costco. Usually found with the specialty cheeses.
Carr brand crackers are my favorite (if I don't serve with a baguette) because they are big and substantial enough to hold the cheese and fruit mixture. "Water Table" crackers or sesame flavors are great because they are simple and won't compete with the flavors in the appetizer.
This recipe is easily halved by using half of the bread dough and a smaller size brie.