Praline Crowned Brie

This is one of my favorite appetizers to take to a party or holiday. It goes great with wine. Trader Joe’s usually has good prices on brie. Sometimes I just buy the wedge and use that instead of a round of brie – it doesn’t look as fancy though. While the white rind is edible, it makes it harder to scoop, so I just carefully scrape most of the rind off of the top with a knife. If you leave the rind intact on the sides, it will hold the shape better (this only works with a round of brie).  If you have a big party to go to, Costco often sells a big round of brie for a really good price (like $10?).  It’s never bad to have leftover brie.  Again, no pic on this one…I’ll post one next time I make it. 

Praline-Crowned Brie

1 15-ounce round Brie cheese (I usually buy a wedge from Trader Joe’s)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Place Brie on a pie plate, scrape white rind off top of round or wedge if desired. Cover with nuts. Pat brown sugar over nuts. Drizzle with maple syrup. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or till sugar is lightly golden and Brie is warm, but not runny. If desired, garnish with some fresh strawberries. Serve the warm Brie immediately with GF crackers or GF bread slices. Makes 10 to 12 servings.