Gretchen's Table: Mummy Baked Brie with Homemade Cranberry Jam

Create a spooky Halloween-themed appetizer with this easy recipe for mummy-wrapped brie with homemade cranberry jam.

Halloween is a time for creativity and imagination, especially when it comes to costumes and party food. While traditional snacks like chips and pretzels are always a hit, why not take it up a notch and create a spooky treat that will impress your guests?

One easy and delicious option is a mummy-inspired appetizer made with brie cheese and puff pastry. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can whip up a ghoulishly good dish that will be the talk of the party.

To make this kid-friendly recipe, you'll need a wheel of brie, a sheet of frozen puff pastry, your favorite red jam, and some candy eyes (or alternative toppings like pecans or apple slices with raisins). Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Next, prepare a homemade cranberry jam by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced shallot and cook until soft and fragrant. Then, add cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together and bring to a boil. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Set it aside to cool.

Now it's time to assemble the mummy. Slice the brie in half horizontally and spread the cranberry jam on the bottom half. Place the top half of the brie back on, covering the jam.

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch square. Put the brie in the center of the dough and make two cuts on both long sides, from the brie to the edges, creating three even sections. Fold the middle piece of dough over the brie, ensuring it is mostly covered.

Now comes the fun part. Cut 1/2-inch-wide strips into the short sides of the dough, from the brie to the edges. Gently stretch the strips over the top of the dough in a crisscross pattern, resembling mummy wrappings. Tuck any loose ends under the pastry.

Transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking tray. Brush the pastry with an egg wash, which will give it a shiny, golden-brown color and help it bind together. Place it in the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden.

Once the mummy is out of the oven, add the finishing touch by placing large edible eyes on top. Serve this spooky treat warm and gooey, alongside sliced apples, toasted baguette, crackers, dried fruit, nuts, and any leftover cranberry jam for a bright and zingy finish.

This mummy-inspired appetizer is not only visually impressive but also incredibly tasty. The combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberry jam, and flaky puff pastry is a winning combination that will delight your guests. So, this Halloween, don't settle for ordinary snacks. Think outside the box and create a memorable culinary experience with this easy and fun recipe.