Arugula, Beet, and Blood Orange Salad

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So the Super Bowl was yesterday and blah blah blah. I may offend many of my fellow Americans when I say this, but what the hell is with everyone and football? Grown men darting around in Spanx, fighting to the death over a charmingly-named “pig skin”, bashing heads like they’re auditioning for Braveheart? Um, hello?

Can you tell I never played sports?
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12 Holiday Food Comas: Baked Brie

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I could get very, very fat on baked brie. I mean ludicrously large and in charge, purely based on the calories from this behemoth creature. And I wouldn’t regret a single moment of that indulgent, decadent heaven. Mmmmmmhmmmm.

I canvassed some friends for their favorite recipes and this one came up for almost everyone. I don’t know if it’s an American thing or what, but we love our cheese wrapped in dough, baked into an orgy of oozy perfection.

Trader Joe’s had a display of these adorable tiny brie wheels and, since I cannot resist anything that comes in miniature, I had to buy a couple for this post. I mean, it’s my obligation to provide this blog with options, right? Right??

If you’re throwing a holiday soiree, crafting a dinner party menu, or enjoying a night in by yourself with some Netflix, this is the recipe for you. Easy, adaptable, and heart warming stopping. Enjoy, dear friends. Enjoy.

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Baked Brie, two ways

1 round brie (small or large)
1/4-1/2 c dried cranberries
1 T brown sugar
1 T jam
1 round brie (small or large)
1/4-1/2 c candied pecans
1 T brown sugar
1 T jam
1 can of Pillsbury crescent roll dough

Preheat your oven to 350. Divide the dough in half on one of the seams provided by the kind Pillsbury folks. Roll the halves out on a cutting board to join the seams and make two cohesive squares. Place the brie on one of the squares, top with cranberries, sugar, and jam, then fold the corners up to wrap the brie fairly tightly (no need for excessive stretching). Do the same for the other brie round and ingredients. Place the two rounds on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve hot with crackers, baguette slices, or spoons…because you don’t really need anything with this except some excitement and stretchy pants.

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