MINI BRIE + JAM PIE EDIBLE GIFT
TO CLOSE FRIENDS, IN HEART, AND IN DISTANCE.
I guess it isn’t so out-of-place during the holiday season, but the other day, I started thinking about friendships.
Since the age of 17, I have been living in separations from all my best friends. Some, separated by lands, but most, by oceans. And even if when old ones came, or when new ones were made, soon after, was another almost destined departure. After a certain number of years, I got used to the danger of not having any, and the jealousy for those who do.
So this year, when the question of “edible gift” came, I started thinking about what I’d wish I could give. If you are one of those lucky humans who enjoys close proximity of friendships, I think you should tell them, “I’m so glad I’m not too far away to give you this”. Whole mini brie and jam wrapped in flaky, buttery pie-pastry. Just like and therefore perfect for those whom this is made for, it doesn’t travel far. It’s time and temperature-sensitive. It’s warm, sweet, gooey and most importantly, immediate.
To close friends, in heart, and in distance. Happy holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (290 grams) all-purpose flour
- 14 tbsp (200 grams) unsalted butter, cold
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (119 grams) ice-cold water
- 4 whole mini brie
- 12 tbsp raspberry jam, or other jams you prefer
Instructions
- Cut unsalted butter into small chunks. In a large bowl or food-processor bowl, combine flour, unsalted butter, light brown sugar and salt. Cut with a pastry-cutter or pulse the food-processor until the largest pieces of butter are about the size of peas. Then slowly add in the ice-cold water, 1/8 cup at a time, and mix with your hands or pulse (*as little as possible*) the food-processor until the mixture comes together as a dough. Adjust with 1 more tbsp of ice-cold water if needed.
- Transfer to a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 equal portions. Plastic-wrap and set aside in the fridge. Meanwhile, remove the top and bottom rind of the mini brie (*this would be much easier if the brie is very cold*). Roll 1 portion of the dough out on a lightly floured surface until about 1/4" (0.5 cm) thick. Add 3 tbsp of jam in the middle, then place a mini brie on top. Fold the dough over to enclose, removing excess dough if needed and pinch the opening tightly together. Turn it over with the seam-side down then plastic-wrap, and set aside in fridge. Repeat with the other 3. Keep the pies chilled.
- To bake, preheat the oven on 400F/200C. Brush all surface of the pie with egg-wash (including the bottom), then bake for 25 min until golden browned. The pie may warp a little because there's no support but no big deal. If the bottom of your pie doesn't brown sufficiently, place the pan directly on the bottom of the oven for the last 5 min. Serve immediately
- Wrap the mini brie + jam pie in parchment paper with a nice note, with simple baking directions. Your friends will love you.
Notes
Update 2014/12/25: The pie can be chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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ihath
December 21, 2014 at 7:28 AMtouching
Summer
December 21, 2014 at 7:28 AMThis is a great idea. You could do so many different variations! And I love that you removed the rind from the brie.
Monique
December 21, 2014 at 8:32 AMIt’s a lovely post.
I like to give baked goods to one particular lady who is in her 80’s and does not bake or cook as much as she used to.
Just want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your great posts..the photos..the recipes..
A treat..always.
Happy Holidays to you.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
December 21, 2014 at 10:55 AMThis is definitely the kind of edible gift I would want! Yum!
Belinda @themoonblushbaker
December 21, 2014 at 3:53 PMMerry Christmas and many home wrapped cookie boxes to you Mandy! This is such a touching passage on the meaning of friendship to the once lonely. This looks so delicious!
Sini | My Blue&White Kitchen
December 21, 2014 at 6:39 PMThis is wonderful! I’m a sucker for anything brie. Happy holidays to you, Mandy! xx
Karishma
December 21, 2014 at 11:38 PMThese are so cute, this is absolutely my favorite way to eat baked brie :)
I loved your story about your friendships; the fact that you’re still friends with them over oceans is a true testament to how strong they are!
cynthia
December 22, 2014 at 1:00 AMSo much love for you and these beautiful little gifts — so unique and creative! Such a touching post, Mandy <3 Happy holidays to you!
Millie | Add A Little
December 22, 2014 at 3:42 AMWhat a wonderful gift! I’m sure these would be a great party appetiser too!
Jill
December 22, 2014 at 3:59 AMLovely post! I’m somewhere in the middle of where you are, some friends close, others not so much. My experience is nothing goes quicker as an appie than some gooey Brie, crisp crackers, and an assortment of jams and jellies. This looks divine!
kiki
December 22, 2014 at 4:40 PMIngenius! So festive, will give it a try! x
Jeff
December 25, 2014 at 1:47 AMDo you bake the brie before wrapping it?
mandy@ladyandpups
December 25, 2014 at 2:21 AMNo, it should be baked together :)
Jeff
December 25, 2014 at 2:32 AMOh, I mean, did you baked the pastry wrapped brie before you wrap it in parchment paper?
mandy@ladyandpups
December 25, 2014 at 1:27 PMJeff: Nope. Just keep it chilled and baked it right before serving.
ellie | fit for the soul
December 31, 2014 at 10:32 AMI think I am officially feeling gluttonous right now…..I’m not hungry but man do I NEED this pie now..! How beautiful and clever, seriously!!!!! ^_^
Rebekka
January 2, 2015 at 10:48 PMOh, how I wish I had found this before Christmas…what an amazing gift idea!!!
Lori
January 4, 2015 at 11:39 AMGoodness, I’m in love!
Ginna
December 18, 2016 at 3:59 AMWhat size or weight brie did you use?
mandy@ladyandpups
December 18, 2016 at 8:27 PMGinna, sorry I’m not sure I remember… but it was the smallest, almost mini size from the supermarket
betty
December 25, 2017 at 4:30 AMHi, Did you bake it wrapped in parchment with the twine?
mandy@ladyandpups
December 25, 2017 at 2:15 PMBetty, No it’s baked without parchment :)
Lucy
October 26, 2018 at 8:09 PMHi Mandy, once made up can these be freezed?
Natalie
November 24, 2018 at 4:06 AMCan you use honey instead of jam?
mandy@ladyandpups
November 24, 2018 at 11:58 PMNatalie, if the honey isn’t too runny.
Kristen metzger
January 23, 2020 at 11:24 AMThis is delightful! Do you gift it baked or unbaked? Also, have you tried honey instead of jam?
mandy@ladyandpups
January 23, 2020 at 12:52 PMKristen, you give it unbaked and COLD, and they have to keep it in the fridge. Hone is fine too.
Angie Ryan
November 21, 2021 at 10:35 PMJust stumbled upon this recipe and immediately made it. I devoured the entire thing! It is amazing.
I would like to gift these to my besties this Holiday. How long can they hold it in their fridge after I gift it?