Memorable Quotes:

"A Bearnaise sauce is simply an egg yolk, a shallot, a little tarragon vinegar and butter, but it takes years of practice for the result to be perfect." Fernand Point

Brie Crostini with Cinnamon Sautéed Apples

Crisp toasted baguette slices topped with creamy Brie and warm cinnamon-sautéed apples make an easy and elegant appetizer. Tart Granny Smith apples are especially good here because they balance the richness of the Brie and the sweetness of the brown sugar.


Source: GJB Recipes
Servings: About 20–24 crostini
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 French baguette, sliced about ½-inch thick
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • 8 ounces Brie, softened
  • 2 Granny Smith apples
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, optional
  • Finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil.
3. Bake for 7–10 minutes, turning once, until lightly golden and crisp around the edges.
4. Peel and core the apples and cut into a small, approximately ¼-inch dice.
5. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and sauté for about 3 minutes.
6. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon and a small pinch of kosher salt. Continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized but still hold their shape.
7. Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and, if desired, add a teaspoon or two of honey or maple syrup for additional sweetness.
8. Spread each warm crostini with a generous smear of softened Brie.
9. Spoon the warm cinnamon apples over the Brie.
10. If desired, finish with a very light drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of toasted pecans or walnuts.
11. Serve while the apples are warm and the Brie is soft and creamy.

Tip: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this appetizer. Their tart flavor provides a nice contrast to the rich Brie and lightly sweetened cinnamon apples. For a slightly sweeter version, use one Granny Smith and one Honey crisp apple.

Source: GJB Recipes and AI