Brie en Croûte with Cherries and Pistachios

Serves 6 to 10

This festive Brie can be served as a dessert or appetizer with Champagne or a semi-dry Riesling.

Ingredients

17.5 ounces frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 (400-gram) wheel Brie
1/2 cup (+ few extra for garnish) dried cherries
1/4 cup cherry preserves
1 tablespoon brandy or cognac (optional)
1/2 cup (+ few extra for garnish) shelled pistachios, lightly toasted
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water (optional)

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Lay puff pastry flat on a non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheet or pie pan. Slice wheel of Brie in half horizontally to create two thinner Brie rounds. Place one Brie round (rind-side down) onto pastry dough. In a small bowl, mix together cherries, preserves and brandy. Spread evenly over Brie and scatter pistachios on top. Place other Brie round (rind-side up) over filling. Fold pastry edges up over Brie, and press together to seal. Flip entire package so that the seam is underneath. Brush top with egg wash if desired.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until pastry is golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Garnish sparingly with additional toasted pistachios and dried cherries.

Nutrition

Per serving: 420 calories (250 from fat), 28g total fat, 11g saturated fat, 15g protein, 29g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 10g sugar), 60mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/109