TASTE: SWEET AND SAVORY WAYS TO SHAKE UP HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

BAKED BRIE with PECANS and CRANBERRY ORANGE CHUTNEY

Cook time: 24 minutes • Servings: 8

• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries

• 1/2 cup maple syrup, plus 1 teaspoon for garnish, divided

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 orange, zest and juice only

• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme, plus additional for garnish, divided

• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary

• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)

• 1 round brie (13.4 ounces)

• 1/2 cup roasted pecan pieces 

• Crackers

• Toasted bread

• Apple slices

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring cranberries (reserving some for garnish), 1/2 cup maple syrup and water to boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens, 8-10 minutes. Remove cranberry mixture from heat and stir in orange zest, orange juice, 1 teaspoon thyme, rosemary and bourbon, if desired.

Place brie on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 5-7 minutes, or until inside of cheese softens while outside remains intact.

Transfer brie to serving platter and top with chutney and toasted pecans. Drizzle remaining maple syrup over brie and garnish with remaining fresh thyme and reserved cranberries.

Serve with crackers, toasted bread and apple slices.

PECAN SNACK MIX with CRANBERRIES and CHOCOLATE  

Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 5 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling time

• 1 cup pecan halves

• 1 cup rice squares cereal (wheat or cinnamon)

• 1/2 cup pretzels

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

In large, microwave-safe bowl, add pecans, rice squares cereal and pretzels.

In small, microwave-safe bowl, add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt and nutmeg. Microwave butter mixture 1-2 minutes until melted then pour over dry mix. Toss well to combine.

Microwave snack mix in 45-second intervals, about 4-5 intervals total, until mix is fragrant, golden and toasty.

Cool mix completely then stir in cranberries and dark chocolate chips.