Sunny Butter Crackers
A bit of sweet and a bit of savory, these crackers provide a nice foundation for both cheese and meats and they look festive, too! Since they are made with almond flour, they pack a protein punch and ...
A showy centerpiece, representing a sun and corona with a dark shadow, this brie “in crust” uses only a few ingredients, but it does take a little finesse (though not much time) to prepare. The warm, gooey cheese adds a luxurious dimension to a grazing board.
Ingredients
SERVINGS: 8–10 Serving(s)
- 2 prepared pie crusts
- 8-ounce wheel of brie
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 6–8 heaping teaspoons prepared blackberry jam
- ½ pint blackberries
Preparation
Place both pie crusts flat on parchment paper and let them thaw according to the package directions. Pre-heat oven according to package directions.
Whisk the egg and water together and set aside.
On the first crust, use the bottom of the brie container to press a circle shape in the center as a guide. Then make four cuts in the shape of a star within the circle and fold back the points. Secure each point with a drop or two of egg water.
On the second crust, center the brie wheel permanently and spoon a light layer of blackberry jam evenly around the outside of the wheel (about 3 or 4 heaping teaspoonfuls).
Position the first crust over the second crust, forming a collar around the brie with the bent-back points.
Make cuts radiating out from the brie between each collar point. Then make another cut neatly between each cut, aligning with the points, creating 16 “rays.”
Working around the circle in pairs, turn one ray clockwise on the right and the other ray counterclockwise on the left and pinch them together in a point secured with a light brush of the egg mixture.
Work your way around the circle, creating 8 rays. (Picture this as the corona of the eclipse.)
Gently curl each ray in the same direction, making sure to tuck in exposed edges.
Brush the egg mixture onto all the exposed dough, smoothing edges as you go. Do not coat the brie. Make sure the collar fits snugly around the brie.
Spoon blackberry jam onto the top of the brie wheel in a thin layer (2–3 heaping teaspoonfuls). This represents the dark shadow created by the eclipse!
Bake for 10–20 minutes depending on your brand of pie dough. It should be golden brown when done.
Serve soon after baking. The cheese will be melted and guests can tear off pieces of crust to dip in the cheese. Have a knife handy to split the brie open. You will want to have extra crisps or crackers to dip, as well. You can prepare everything up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake. Wait until the last minute to brush on the egg. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
NOTE: Gluten-free pie crusts can work for this and it will taste delicious! But it will look a bit rustic.
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