Blackberry Almond Baked Brie: Recipe

I know, I know. It's been a few weeks since I've had a Food Friday on the blog. I apologize... life (aka being in the hospital) kind of gets in the way sometimes. That said, I am super happy to share one of my favorite holiday appetizers today. And heck - you don't have to make this ONLY for the holidays. I don't. I just happen to make it for all holidays in addition to the random times. It's a crowd pleaser for sure. I bring to you...

The recipe for this week's installment of Food Fridays is... you guessed it... Baked Brie. This isn't just baked cheese, though. This is ooey-gooey French cheese deliciousness... covered in blackberry preserves, crescent dough, and almonds. Can it get any better than that?! I think not. 

This recipe is seriously so easy too. The ingredients may look pricey, but I was able to find all of these at my local Aldi's. The whole wheel of Brie was only $3 - score! I should have bought them all. 

I should also note that if you don't like blackberries for whatever reason, you can easily substitute any type of jam, jelly, or preserves. I've made this with blueberry and raspberry before, but I bet even apricot would be delightful.

Doesn't that just scream, "eat me with a fork... right now!" because I totally think it does. 

And now the good part... I know you want this recipe. You should serve it the next time you host an event. But you should probably make it for a taste test before that... just because you want it. And you'll be able to eat the whole thing at once. Oh, is that just me? 

I usually use Triscuits to dip into this, but I have definitely eaten it plain before too. It's all a personal preference, so enjoy this however your cheese-loving self desires. 

Do you like brie?

    

High Five For Friday (+ Bloglovin')

I've never posted a "high five for Friday" post before, so I'm excited to share one now. 

First things first, though: Google Reader is shutting down on MONDAY... yes, in three days! Are you following me on there? It looks like 101 of you are! If you would like to keep following me, you must do so through Bloglovin', which is an amazing website that lets you subscribe to all of the blogs you'd like and read through them when you want. Even better? They send you an email each night with all of the blogs you're subscribed to, so you won't miss any of them! 

You can follow my blog on Bloglovin' by clicking on the icon on the right of my page (just under the info about my handsome fiancé, Dan) or by going to my Bloglovin' profile by CLICKING HERE and following me. PLEASE don't forget to do so! I will always follow you right back if you're on Bloglovin' as well. Thanks! :) 

ANYWAY,

My top five for this week are:

1. I went running on a regular basis all week, and that includes getting up early and everything!

2. I've had a lot of time to work on some crafty projects, and I can't wait to share them soon! I've made a few new photo collages on canvas, and I'm working on a super top-secret project as well.

3. Brie Macaroni and Cheese. Yep. When I went to Las Vegas earlier this month, there was mac & cheese made with Brie (my favorite cheese) at one of the casino buffets. It had bacon in it, though, and as a vegetarian, I could not eat it. (I have always disliked bacon anyway, so I likely wouldn't have anyway). I have been craving it since I saw the idea, though, so last night, I made a Brie Macaroni and Cheese with Onion and Apple Compote. AMAZING.

4. I got to spend lots of time with my little furballs, and they seem to have enjoyed that fact as well!

5. I am having a girls' night tonight with Ellen and Maddi, a couple other USAFA girlfriends, and I can't wait!

And now, a few pictures, just for funsies!

Isn't Gilligan just adorable?! I love this little guy.

Stormy is adorable too, but she is ALWAYS trying to get herself into trouble... 

I can't call my kitties adorable without posting my favorite adorable man! My fiancé has been in the military for seven years now, and as the class of 2017 enters USAFA this week, I am reminiscing to Dan's inprocessing to the Academy in 2010 when he completed his third and final basic training. These pictures all come from WebGuy, a wonderful group of photographers who capture the USAFA basic training for friends and family to see. 

Well, that's all, folks!