Basil Brie in Pastry

Heat oven to 400º. Grease cookie sheet. Mix Parmesan cheese and basil. Cut Brie cheese round horizontally into 2 layers. Sprinkle basil mixture evenly over cut surface of bottom layer. Reassemble cheese round.

Roll pastry into rectangle, 15x9 inches, on lightly floured surface. Cut out 2 circles, one 8 1/2 inches and the other 6 inches. Place cheese round on center of large circle. Bring pastry up and over cheese, pressing to make smooth and even. Brush top edge of pastry lightly with water. Place 6-inch circle on top, pressing gently around edge to seal. Cut decorations from remaining pastry if desired; moisten pastry with water to attach.

Bake about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on cookie sheet on wire rack 30 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers.

A bundle of savory flavors, this holiday appetizer, also known as Brie en Crovte, gets its name from the pastry wrapping that covers the cheese while it bakes. If you don't have time to roll out the pastry, you can spruce up Brie with some simple holiday toppers. Begin by heating the oven to 350º. Lightly brush an ovenproof plate with vegetable oil. Place unpeeled cheese on the center of the plate; bake uncovered 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is soft and partially melted. Top with:

• Pear-Cranberry Chutney and toasted slivered almonds.

• Caramel topping and toasted chopped pecans. Serve with crisp apple slices.

• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and herbs, drained and chopped, and toasted pine nuts. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft)

High Altitude Directions Nutritional Information Nutrition Information: 1 Serving (1 Serving)

Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 145),