Serve at an elegant bridal shower as an appetizer, for brunch or even for dessert.

Glazed Baked Brie

1 8 oz. wheel of brie cheese
2 puff pastry sheets (thawed)
3 tbl. strawberry preserves
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 egg white, slightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400*F.

Bring puff pastry sheet to room temperature. Heat the strawberry preserves and balsamic vinegar in a small pan over medium heat until thickened. Set aside.

Roll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until thin. Position the wheel of brie in the center and top with preserve mixture.

Gather the pastry over the top of the brie. If there is a lot of excess pastry dough, use kitchen shears to trim. Smooth the second pastry sheet over the top and sides; tuck edges under the brie. Seal any edges with moistened fingers.

Transfer to a greased baking sheet, seam side up. Brush pastry with the egg. You can prepare this dish to this point, cover and refrigerate for 6 hours before finishing the preparation.

Bake the brie until the pastry is golden, 18 - 20 minutes. If the pastry begins to darken too quickly, lower the temperature to 350*F.

Serve immediately with crackers or toast, garnished with grapes and other fresh fruit. The brie will be delightfully oozy. You'll love the sweet flavor of the melted preserves mingled with the creamy nuttiness of the cheese.