Baked Camembert Cheese w/Mustard Sauce
While specific award-winning cheese recipes often remain proprietary, here’s a concept for a gourmet cheese dish that has been praised in various culinary contexts, incorporating mustard. This dish using camembert could be considered “award-worthy” in homemade or amateur cheese-making competitions due to its creativity and flavor profile.
Ingredients
• 1 round of Camembert (approximately 8 oz)
• 2-3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of whole grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or dried)
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives
• Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Process
1. PREPARE THE CHEESE: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your Brie or Camembert comes in a wooden box, it can be baked in the box for presentation. If not, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. MUSTARD MIXTURE: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard with the whole grain mustard. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves. This mixture will give the cheese a pungent yet complex flavor.
3. COAT THE CHEESE: Carefully spread the mustard mixture over the top of the Brie or Camembert. Ensure the rind is well-coated but not so thick that it overwhelms the cheese’s flavor.
4. BAKE: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese feels soft but not overly melted when gently pressed.
5. HONEY GLAZE: While the cheese is baking, in a small saucepan, warm the honey slightly. You’re not looking to boil it, just to make it a bit runny for easier drizzling.
6. ADD TOPPINGS: If using nuts, sprinkle them over the mustard crust halfway through baking for a toasted crunch.
7. DRIZZLE WITH HONEY: Once the cheese is baked to your liking, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle with the warmed honey. Sprinkle with chopped chives for a burst of color and flavor.
8. SERVE: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Accompany with crackers, slices of baguette, or fruit. The warm, melted interior with the slightly tangy mustard crust, sweetened by honey, offers a balance of flavors that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Why It Could Win Awards
Innovation
Combining mustard and cheese in this way adds an interesting twist to a classic dish.
Versatility
It can be modified with different mustards, herbs, or nuts.
Presentation
The honey drizzle, herbs, and nuts give it an attractive, gourmet appearance.
Flavor Balance
Mustard provides sharpness, cheese the richness, and honey the sweetness.
