This is one of my easy, go-to appetizer recipes that is perfect for any occasion. Recently, I made it for a bridal shower in August and friend’s birthday gathering in November. It is definitely festive for the upcoming holidays with its pomegranate and thyme garnishing. I will definitely be serving this again!

There are several steps but don’t be intimidated. You can do it!

Ingredients:

For the Candied Pecans

1 cup pecan halves

1/2 TBSP unsalted butter melted and cooled

1 1/2 TBSP brown sugar

2 tsp pure maple syrup

1/4 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp kosher salt

For the Blackberry Compote

2 cups blackberries, save a few for garnish

1 TBSP lemon juice

1 TBSP honey

1 tsp vanilla

For the Brie

2 8 ounce wheels of Brie or 1 16 ounce, room temperature

pomegranate seeds for garnish

thyme leaves for garnish

hardy crackers that do not break easily such as Mary’s Gone Crackers or Homemade Crostini (recipe below)

Instructions:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  3. Place the pecans on the sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes (do not burn)
  4. Mix together the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt in a bowl
  5. Carefully, pace the hot pecans into the mixture and evenly coat. Spread them on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  6. In a medium saucepan, heat the blackberries, lemon juice, honey and vanilla on medium heat, stirring occassionally. Turn up the heat to medium and continue to stir until the mixture is reduced to syrup consistency. Remove from heat and let cool.
  7. Slice off the top of the brie rinds and discard. Leave the sides intact. Bake the wheels of Brie for 15 minutes at 350 degrees until melted through
  8. Add Brie to a serving platter and top each with blackberry compote and the candied pecans.
  9. Garnish with the remaining blackberries, pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves.
  10. Serve immediately with crackers or crostini.

Homemade Crostini

Baguette of choice, sliced into 1/8″ round toasts

5 TBSP olive oil, more as needed

Coarse Salt

  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the crostini in a single layer to fill the pan
  3. Using a pastry brush rub each round with olive oil
  4. Season each with coarse salt
  5. Bake for 4-5 minutes depending on your oven until they are slightly browned and crisp (do not burn)

Enjoy! XOXO Jill