Video summary

IRRESISTIBLE Baked Camembert

Main summary

Key takeaways

Cooking

Ingredients

  • Camembert cheese (cold from the fridge, firm and cuttable)
  • Apricot jam (used for a mild, sweet flavor)
  • Fresh jalapeño chilies (about 3 parts per chili; seeds and white flesh are hottest; use half seeds or none depending on heat preference)
  • Pecans (toasted; can substitute with other nuts like hazelnuts or Brazil nuts)

Equipment

  • Wooden box for baking the camembert
  • Tin foil (to line the wooden box and wrap around the cheese to prevent leaking)
  • Oven preheated to 180°C (350°F)
  • Baking tray (to place the wooden box on)
  • Tray for toasting nuts

Method

  1. Preparation of wooden box:

    • Line the wooden box with tin foil to hold the cheese and catch any leaks.

  2. Prepare the camembert:

    • Use camembert straight from the fridge so it is firm and easier to cut.
    • Place the camembert rind side down in the wooden box.

  3. Make chili apricot jam:

    • Finely chop fresh jalapeño chilies (half with seeds for heat, half without).
    • Mix chopped chilies into apricot jam to create a quick chili jam.
    • Reserve some whole chili pieces for decoration.

  4. Toast nuts:

    • Toast pecans in the oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes, toss, then toast for a few more minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
    • Add toasted pecans into the chili apricot jam.

  5. Assemble:

    • Spread the chili apricot jam with nuts over the top of the camembert.
    • Decorate with whole toasted pecans and whole chili pieces arranged on top.

  6. Bake:

    • Place the wooden box with camembert on a baking tray.
    • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes.
    • Keep an eye on the cheese; it should become oozy and start to melt without leaking excessively.

  7. Serving:

    • Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and melty.
    • Suggested accompaniment: cheesy straws (not detailed but mentioned as a side).

Chef Tips & Notes

  • Using a wooden box adds fragrance and keeps the cheese contained.
  • Wrapping the wooden box in foil is a safety measure to catch any leaks.
  • Apricot jam is chosen for its mild sweetness that complements the heat of the chilies without overpowering.
  • Pecans are preferred for their softer texture after toasting but other nuts can be used.
  • Keep some whole chilies for visual appeal on top.
  • The camembert must be cold and firm before baking to hold shape.
  • Watch the cheese closely while baking to avoid overcooking.

Variations

  • Adjust chili seed quantity for desired heat level.
  • Substitute pecans with other nuts as preferred.
  • Different jams can be used but apricot is recommended for balance with chili.

Presented by Lisa and Rory on their YouTube channel focused on approachable home cooking recipes.

Original video