Every once in a while you come across something so decadent, so delectable, that you have to share it with the rest of the world. Truffle Olive Oil is one of those things and is by far my favorite fused olive oil. The scent of truffles sends my mind into overdrive. Just picture yourself at a fabulous dinner party where you are the guest of honor and there are ten chefs catering to your every gastronomical need. The smell is unforgettable. Just imagine the taste!

Here’s one of my favorite recipes that is a sure winner at any cocktail party this holiday season. The first time you make it might seem a little challenging but after that, I promise, you will not need the recipe ever again. It’s that simple.

Enjoy!

Mercedes Wall

Baked Truffled Brie

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons of Carter and Cavero White Truffle Oil

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 small (8-ounce) round (wheel) brie cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

Baguette, crostini, or crackers

Butter a baking pan and line with aluminum foil. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, salt and truffle oil; set aside. This is your truffle cream cheese.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out sheet of puff pastry 1/8-inch thick (approximately 15 inches in diameter); using the brie as a guide, cut out one round the size of the brie for the top and cut another round 1-inch larger. Using a small cutter (any shape will do), cut out some decorative pieces.

Halve the brie cheese horizontally; spread the truffle cream cheese evenly over the bottom half of the brie. Place the top half of the brie over the truffle cream cheese. On prepared baking pan, center the brie cheese on top of the larger pastry round; wrap pastry up over brie (without stretching). Brush border with some egg and top with remaining smaller pastry round; pressing edges of dough together gently but firmly to seal. Brush top with egg. Arrange decorative pieces over the top of the pastry dough; lightly brush with egg, being careful not to let egg drip over the edges (this would prevent the pastry from rising). With the back of a table knife, gently score the side of the pastry with vertical marks (being careful not to pierce through the dough). Chill the prepared brie, uncovered, for 30 minutes to set the egg wash. Brie may be made to this point one day ahead and kept chilled, covered loosely.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Bake Truffled Brie in middle of oven 20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand in pan on a rack about 20 minutes for a very runny melted cheese or about 40 minutes for thicker cheese. To serve, transfer to serving dish and serve with baguette, crostini, or crackers.

Serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer.