recipes since it’s the first week of a new year. But, I am still trying to slowly recap some of the great food that was eaten over this past holiday.
A few weeks before Christmas, our nephew Ryan graduated from the University of Central Florida and we celebrated by throwing him a graduation party with an Italian/Wine and Cheese theme.
There are some really great recipes out there on the web for Baked Brie, I threw together a very simple yet so delicious topping.
large round of brie (found at Costco)
1/3 cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup of roughly chopped pecans
1/3 cup of butter
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt butter and sugar together in saucepan. Add pecans and cook for about 5 minutes. Pour over brie round and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes in oven.
2 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (11-ounce) log soft fresh goat cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or Meyer lemon olive oil
Fresh herb sprigs, for garnish
Stir the herbs, lemon zest, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Roll the cheese log in the herb mixture to coat completely. Arrange the cheese on a platter. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over and around the cheese log. Serve with the crostini, crackers and fruit. Garnish with herb sprigs.
PS…I want to thank all of you who left comments on my previous post with your meal planning tips! I am working on it, and am getting great ideas from you! 
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
I bet the baked brie was delicious! It looks amazing
Wine, cheese, fruit…. OH… Aggie I am so there!!
I love brie!! I know, I’m supposed to be eating better, but I am at least exercising more.
Wow, talk about a great graduation party! Love what you did with the baked brie as well a the goat cheese. You know what I also like? Your darling serving pieces. Those little turtles are so cute, and I love that green and pink spreader! Maybe I should have a graduated decades ago party! Would you provide the food?
oh my goodness I so want that baked brie tonight! It looks beautiful!
Wow! What a great party! Can’t go wrong with fruit and cheese
I tried the herb goat cheese before and it was such a bit hit as well. I am loving the brie with the pecans. I think that will be on the list for the next dinner party. Looks fantastic! Congrats to your nephew.
Of course cheese and wine is healthy…calcium and antioxidants
Looks like you had a great party. Congrats to your nephew.
I wish I could’ve been at your party! These cheeses look wonderful. I missed you last post about meal planning, but I will tell you what I do.
I assign each night a theme:
Monday- Family Favorite
Tuesday- bean or vegetarian
Wed- salad or salad
Thurs- new recipe I want to try
Fri- Fish
Then I leave sat and sunday open for either leftovers, eating out, or slow cooker.
It is helpful to have themes I think. I have also done it with different types of food like- Italian, Mexican,Oriental, Indian, Greek.
Anyway- hope you figure out some great tips!
You’re in Sanford?!?! WHy haven’t we met up yet? My parents actually live in Titusville so they went to a cuban resteraunt there.It’s new so I’m not sure what the name it.
Shoot me an e-mail at graduatemeghann@gmail.com if you want to have lunch or dinner or something
Sounds like a perfect party to me!
The Brie was awesome!! Probably one of the most delicious cheese dishes I have EVER eaten!! Yummy!
Yum! Cheese is one of my favorite foods.
Looks delish darling!!!
Baked brie is delish
Both look amazing but the candied pecans on the brie is making my mouth water.
Brie is so tasty and look at that nutty topping!!!!!
The baked brie looks fabulous! Are there any particular brands of crackers you prefer to serve with this?
I just love cheese. I picked up 2 large rounds of brie and a log of goat cheese at the restaurant supply store I shop at – thanks for some ideas of how to enjoy them even more!
Mercina – When I was at Costco I picked up a big box with an assortment of Breton crackers and served it with all the cheeses…I also think that sliced baguette (not toasted) would be great with the Brie too!
Wow that looks good!
Wine and Cheese why not together. I like cheese with nuts!
Cheese is the one thing I just can not get enough of! The brie…yum!!
Two of my favorite cheeses…oh, who isn’t a fan of cheese!
That sounds absolutely delicious and what a terrific idea!
Aggie, those recipes are just what I’m looking for, trying to set up a get together with a similar menu. Here is what I have so far, any other recipe/menu suggestions for me?
braised pork belly
goat cheese terrine
gourmet cheeses
honey
almonds
grilled or pan fried halloumi
stuffed dates with gorgonzola
chorizo
duck
scallops??
pickled garlic
white beans
guava
brie en croute with jam
Oh wow, what a great menu you’ve got going here.
What about a white bean dip with crostini (instead of just white beans) – white bean and artichoke spread? http://aggieskitchen.com/2010/11/02/totally-inspired/
stuffed mushrooms? http://aggieskitchen.com/2010/10/22/mediterranean-stuffed-mushrooms/
The goat cheese rolled in toasted sunflower seeds, drizzled with honey and served with fruit (so good!) http://aggieskitchen.com/2010/08/24/girls-night-out-purses-aprons-wine-and-food-and-a-giveaway/
a nice tray of antipasti is always nice along the cheeses…maybe some dried salami or chorizo, olives, roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms? http://aggieskitchen.com/2010/12/01/marinated-baby-bellas/
let me know if you need more ideas…I love party food!