Getting a handle on cookery basics is a great way to gain confidence when you cook. Baked brie is sophisticated and a deliciously easy way to expand your own mindful palate.

Ingredients:

1 small round of brie
1 baguette

Totally Optional: honey, jam, caramelized onions

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350° F

Remove the paper from the brie. Do not remove the white rind. Yes, you eat that with the cheese.

Spray a small baking sheet with non-stick spray and place the round of brie in the center.

Bake in a toaster or regular oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is softened, but not completely melted and oozing all over the baking sheet. Give it a test by pushing on the center with your finger. It should give easily.

Use a knife and cut out a nice bit of cheese, making sure to get a bit of the white rind. Smear it on a piece of chewy bread. Enjoy brie as part of a light meal with a piece of seasonal fruit and a nice glass of Bordeaux.

While brie is superb on its own, it’s fun to jazz up the presentation by drizzling the brie with a couple tablespoons of honey before baking.

Or top it with your favorite jam. Blueberry jam, mmmmmmm.

Try covering it with caramelized onions before baking.

Consider scoring the  rind several times with a very sharp knife so that the jam and/or caramelized onions sit in contact with the warm cheese. You don’t have to do this, but do give it a try.

Keep a small round of brie on hand for when unexpected company arrives. If you serve it with crackers instead of bread, make sure you choose firm crackers that can hold up to a good spreading of this substantial cheese.