Happy 2013! Baked Brie & Peach Jam Pastry Puffs

Baked Brie & Peach Jam Pastry Puffs

(Printable recipe here)

Happy New Years!  

What better way to welcome 2013 than with some delicious treats right?!

Hopefully 2012 has been as “flavorful” for you as it has been for me. Though not free of speeds bumps, the important thing is getting through it all and moving on. Life is a roller coaster and its how we make of it. It can be an exciting ride or a horror show and since we have no choice in getting on the ride, we mind as well make the best of it!  

Now that said, let’s get on with my newest experiment! I’ve always wanted to play with puff pastry dough so when I saw it at Trader Joe's the other day, I thought any time as good as now. Of course like always, there was no plan, I just wanted to play with puff pastry dough…so what to do with it..?? Several days later, as I was rummaging through the fridge, I came across a round of brie I had purchased about a week ago… looked over and saw the peach jam my friend had given me… suddenly a light went on! I’ve always seen and heard people rave about baked brie with fruit jams/fruits, though I’ve never really had any for myself, it was time to break into something new.

They are divine! The warm brie mixed with peach jam, savory and sweet, encased by flaky puff pastry will make your taste buds want to dance! Super easy to make but looks fancy enough no one will know the difference! Happy 2013!

Ingredients:

• Peach Jam (or fruit jam of choice)
• Brie round
• Puff Pastry (1 sheet will yield 9-12 depending on how you cut the puff pastry, I divided it into 9 pieces)

Procedure: 

1. Thaw puff pastry via instructions on package (normally can be done by moving the puff pastry from freezer to the fridge and let it sit over night OR thaw for 2 hours in room temperature).
2. Divide puff pastry into approximately 9 equal pieces (4”x 4”) or if you want to have smaller pieces, can be divided into 12 pieces
3. Slice the brie into thick slices (less than ¼”) and surface area of  approx 1” x 1”
4. Lay the brie at the center of the puff pastry, add a dollop of jam, place another piece of brie on top, and then finish with another dollop of jam.
5. Wrap the brie by folding in the 4 corners and pinch the edges close (note: the edges will open up when baked)
6. Set oven to 400 degrees and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.