Brie Toasts with Microwave Peach Pepper Jelly

November rain is pouring outside my writing room while I am bundled up in a chunky knit sweater and typing. Dinner plans for homemade curry have been slightly altered as the stores seem to be out of yellow curry paste. So, I will be trying my hand at massaman curry for the first time tonight. Curry is a warm comforting dish when it is cold and wet. Food is on my mind a lot right now as Thanksgiving plans are starting to materialize. Appetizers are always nice to have if your guests arrive before the food is out of the oven. They take the edge of hunger while waiting for the much-anticipated turkey dinner. I also try to do something a little different for variety sake such as these Brie toasts with Microwave Peach Pepper Jelly sprinkled with chopped mint. These are a tasty and fun appetizer for your Thanksgiving day!

With the exception of broiling the toasts these delicious appetizers are easy to prep ahead of time. The colorful and zingy sweet Peach Pepper Jelly can be made the day before and takes only about a half hour to make. For further prep, slice the baguette and store slices in a bag. And trim the rind off the brie and slice. And now for the recipe!

Brie Toasts with microwave Peach Pepper Jelly

Brie cheese (rind trimmed)

Baguette cut into slices

Peach pepper jelly (recipe below)

Chopped mint (optional; rosemary is another option)

Note on herbs: On the herbs, it’s a personal choice. Fresh mint gives these an uplifting kick which is a fun change of pace; however, rosemary is always a delicious alternative. Or you can skip the herbs altogether. There’s no right or wrong here.

Set oven to broil. Place baguette slices on uncreased baking sheet. Top the baguette slices with brie cheese. Broil until cheese bubbles and lightly browned (this should take less than 5 minutes). Top the brie toasts with a spoonful of peach pepper jelly and if desired, chopped mint.

Microwave Peach Pepper Jelly

Makes approximately 1 cup of jelly

1 cup of finely chopped red pepper (seeded and washed; one large pepper ought to do it here)

1 cup of finely chopped fresh or frozen peaches (peeled)

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup of sugar

Combine all ingredients in a deep microwavable bowl. Microwave for 5 minutes. Stir hot mixture and return the microwave for 5 mores minutes. Stir and let cool in the fridge. It will thicken. Store in the fridge.