Whipped Brie with Bacon Brittle
submitted by Joshua A. of Los Gatos, CA
20-25 hors d'oeuvres.
Ingredients :
1 c sugar
1/2 c water
1 tsp canola oil
4 oz apple wood smoked bacon
1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
8 oz. triple cream brie, rind removed
2 T chopped chives
Directions :
1. Chop bacon into lardons, and cook over medium heat until rendered and crispy. Drain off fat and set aside.
2. Brush the inside of a 1qt. heavy saucepan with canola oil. Add the sugar and water to the saucepan.
Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until it comes to a boil. Stop stirring, cover and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Uncover, reduce heat to medium, and cook until the sugar is amber in color.
4. Spread the bacon and cracked pepper onto a silpat lined sheet pan, or oiled parchment paper. Pour caramel onto the pan and using an oiled spatula, spread as thin as possible, while incorporating the bacon. (Spreading thin is key!)
5. Using a standing mixer and a paddle attachment; whip the brie until light and fluffy, about 7-10 minutes, scraping the sides once or twice. Stir in the chives, then put the mixture into a piping bag with a star tip.
6. Break the brittle into abstract 1-2 bite pieces.
7. Pipe the cheese onto pieces of bacon brittle.
Loves it because : It's original, rich, flavorful, balanced and easy. Plus you get to use cheese and pork fat :)
Where it comes from : My own warped little melon
Favorite food : Mexican from Socal or Mexico
Least favorite food : processed; excluding velveeta
Favorite cookbook : The Frugal Gourmet cooks Italian
Favorite Top Chef : Harold; or Sam if your asking for season 2
Dream dinner guest : Dave Matthews
