Baked Brie Bites with Sugared Cranberries

Socks optional because they will be blown off.

Directions:

Sugared Cranberries:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and ½ cup water over low heat. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.
2. Add cranberries and remove from heat. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Drain cranberries. Roll in remaining ¾ cup of sugar to coat. Air dry on a wire rack for 1 hour.

Baked Brie Bites:

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add orange juice, bacon bits, walnuts, apple, cinnamon and 3 tablespoons brown sugar. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved and apples begin to brown, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in orange zest.
3. Unroll crescent rolls and pinch together seams to create 1 large sheet with each package of dough. Cut each rectangle into 12 squares.
4. Coat a mini muffin pan with cooking spray and place a square of dough in each cup.
5. Cut brie into 24 pieces and place in the center of the dough square. Top with apple walnut mixture and a pinch of brown sugar. Bring edges of the dough square to the center and pinch to create a seal.
6. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Garnish each bite with a sugared cranberry for an unexpected burst of flavor.

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Alyssa,
ALDI Test Kitchen