As much as I love to entertain, and don't mind spending time preparing for large parties, intimate gatherings, or even the impromptu drop bys (I've overheard friends say "if you just randomly show up at Wendy and Alex's house, you still get a spread of cheese, appetizers, and wine!), I'm always looking for new recipes to try out when I'm pinched for time. It's great to have an arsenal of ideas that are delicious, crowd pleasing, and ready in a snap. That's why when I discovered bite sized brie and fruit preserves in phyllo cups, I could barely contain my excitement.
I'll use the term "recipe" loosely in this instance, as it's more of an assembly of ingredients. But this bite sized morsel is elegant enough for fancy occasions, and has even served me well on a Friday night with a few friends. I was first introduced to it by my baby shower co-hostess, and have been in love ever since.
Get started by opening the boxes of phyllo cups, removing the plastic packaging. How's that for a super easy first step? Place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. If desired, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper, but this is an optional step.
Cut your wedge of brie into small bite sized pieces, just small enough to fit inside the phyllo cups. It's easiest to use the sides of the brie as a guide and cut diamond shapes, like you're making a harlequin pattern in the brie.
Next we work on the filling. Using either a disposable pastry bag, ziplock bag with the corner cut off, or the super simple technique of a small spoon, squeeze or dollop roughly one teaspoon of fruit preserves into the phyllo cups, on and around the cheese. In this case apricot preserves were used, but strawberry, raspberry, or fig would also be a lovely option. I could even see using something like apple butter. So many delicious options.
After each cup is filled, bake the brie bites according to package directions until the shells are golden brown, and the cheese just begins to melt. Roughly 10 minutes tends to work well for me.
Presentation is quite simple as well. Just arrange these appetizers on a serving platter...that is if you can exercise enough self control to not eat them directly off the baking sheet.
These one-bite bits of heaven were a huge hit at last month's big baby shower. Not only were they gone in a flash, but as the party was wrapping up, guests were asking if we had another tray stashed somewhere. I can't think of a more flattering question.
Do you have a simple and easy go-to recipe when you entertain? Maybe something that takes just a few minutes to make, or has just a few ingredients? I was so happy to discover this appetizer, and am always looking for new ways to make entertaining a fun, yet simple endeavor.
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