Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites

Holiday entertaining this year consisted of these creative appetizers that take our beloved Brie and crackers combination to a new, prettier level. Fresh cranberries are soaked in maple syrup and then tossed in sugar to create a frosted look, similiar to the berries you see in Christmas tree and wreath ornaments.The cranberries stay firm and will burst in your mouth when eaten. The initial reaction is a sour one, as fresh cranberries are super tart. The sugar coating helps curb the tartness and compliments creamy cheese.

The original recipe calls for an additional layer of cranberry chutney or jam. I omitted this as I didn't have any on hand but I can totally see how the chutney would enhance the dish, both visually and in taste. Without the chutney, the Brie bite was a tad on a dry side. So don't forget it!

 

Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites
adapted from Yummy Mummy

Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries

1 cup good maple syrup

1 cup granulated sugar

Directions

Rinse cranberries and place in a medium bowl. Heat syrup in a small sauce pan just until warm. Pour over cranberries when syrup is warm, not hot, or cranberries may pop. Cool, cover, and let soak in the refrigerator overnight.

Drain cranberries in a colander. Place sugar in a large bowl or baking dish. Add cranberries in 2 batches and roll around until lightly coated in sugar. Place on a baking sheet until dry, about 1 hour.

 

Brie Bites

Crackers

Brie cheese

Cranberry jam or preserve (I omitted this but make sure you don't!)

Fresh mint for garnish

Assemble crackers with one slice of brie, a light layer of preserve if available, and 2 or 3 sugared cranberries. Top with fresh mint sprigs and serve.