Cranberry and Brie Bites

Delight your taste buds and impress your guests with our Sweet and Savory Cranberry Brie Tartlets, a culinary masterpiece that perfectly balances the tanginess of cranberry sauce with the creaminess of Brie cheese. These open-top pastry treats are not only visually stunning but also a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them an exquisite addition to your appetizer spread. Adorned with fresh thyme leaves, these tartlets offer a symphony of taste sensations that elevate any gathering or celebration to a new level of culinary excellence.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

• 6 oz (about 170g) Brie cheese, cut into small cubes

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Pastry:

• Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.

• Cut the pastry sheet into smaller squares or rectangles, approximately 3x3 inches each.

3. Assemble the Tartlets:

• Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Add a small cube of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry square.

4. Add Cranberry Sauce:

• Top the Brie with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce in the center of each pastry square.

5. Season and Garnish:

• Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the tops of the tartlets.

• Garnish each tartlet with a few fresh thyme leaves.

6. Optional Egg Wash:

• For a golden finish, you can brush the edges of the pastry squares with a beaten egg.

7. Bake:

• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the Brie cheese is melty and bubbly.

8. Serve:

• Remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.