Baked Brie with Strawberry Glaze

3/5/2002

1 13 to 16-ounce whole brie cheese with rind left on

3 tablespoons strawberry preserves

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries

11/2 tablespoons toasted hazelnuts or sliced toasted almonds

Toasted bread and crackers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place brie on baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until brie is soft and warm, but not runny.

While brie is baking, heat preserves and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until thick and bubbly and then remove from the heat.

Remove brie from oven and transfer to serving dish. Arrange the strawberries on top of brie. Drizzle with heated preserves and sprinkle with nuts. Serve with crackers or toasted bread.

Yield: 8 servings