ABRAMS Dinner Party Spotlight: Cheese Sex Death...Featuring Honey-Garlic Baked Brie With Rosemary #abramsdinnerparty #cheeselover #bakedbrie #cheesesexdeathbook

 

As part of the ABRAMS Dinner Party blogging group, I recently received a copy of Erika Kubik's Cheese Sex Death...a comprehensive resource for all things cheese. This fabulous resources provides history and detailed information about key cheese groupings (and specific cheese varieties)...a cheese shopping guide...directions for perfect cheese plating and pairings techniques...and some killer recipes! Kubick -- a Chicago-based cheese expert and food blogger -- offers recipes that range from macaroni and cheese to grilled cheese sandwiches...and even a fun party cheese ball. But? I was immediately drawn to her Honey-Garlic Baked Brie With Rosemary...which I knew was perfect for my Thanksgiving day menu! I had never baked Brie before, but Kubick's recipe was so streamlined that I knew I'd be successful! With the busy holiday season here, this is a perfect appetizer to have in your back pocket for last-minute party invites...or drop in guests. Simply keep a small wheel...or two...of Brie in your fridge. The simple topping components are staple ingredients found in most kitchens.

Honey-Garlic Baked Brie With Rosemary

from Cheese Sex Death

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce wheel of Brie, room temperature [NOTE: I used a mild goat milk Brie wheel]
• 2 small garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 TBS high-quality, local honey
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
• Toasted baguette slices for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350℉. Use a sharp knife to score a crosshatch pattern into the top rind. Do not go all the way to the bottom, however.

Step 2: Stuff the garlic into the slits in the cheese and place the wheel of Brie in the center of a baking dish. Sprinkle the rosemary over the cheese, then drizzle with the honey. Finish with the salt & pepper.

Step 3: Bake for about 15 minutes, until the Brie begins to ooze. Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Step 4: To serve, surround the warm baked Brie with thin slices of toasted baguette. Be sure to include some mini cheese spreaders to easy spreading and eating!

This baked Brie is the epitome of simple elegance! It feel a bit special to serve guests...but the ingredients are staples...and it's ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. Every bite is delicious from the warm, mild Brie...to the sweet honey, earthy rosemary...and mellow cooked garlic. The crunchy warm baguette slices bring it all together. My niece and nephews all gave this holiday-ready appetizers an enthusiastic thumbs up!

Cheese Sex Death refers to itself as, "A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed." It's truly a one-stop go-to resources for knowledge any cheese connoisseurs will ever need! It would make a fabulous holiday gift...with one big note: Make SURE you know your gift recipient very well! The information this cheese encyclopedia provides is absolutely amazing -- and I love the book! However, the book's presentation and format may not be appreciated by everyone. Cheese Sex Death presents cheese using religious terminology and images -- which might cause issues for some people. My best advice is to flip through a copy of the book before purchasing to determine if it's right for you.

Disclosure: I received a copy of Cheese Sex Death as part of the ABRAMS Dinner Party blogging group. All opinions shared are solely my own.