Mother's Day Recipes, Day 4: Warm Camembert and Apple Appetizers

Start mom’s day right with these delicious (and easy to prepare) apple-cheese combos, the recipe for which comes from Hallie Harron’s fantastic new book Cheese Hors d'Oeuvres (which would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift if your mom enjoys the cheese and likes to entertain, by the way), published by the Harvard Common Press. Oh, if the Camembert sounds a little strong for a Sunday morning or afternoon, the author says “feel free to substitute a ripe Brie if you prefer.”

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:
One 7- to 13-ounce round ripe Camembert cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Golden Delicious or Gala apples, cored and chopped (no need to peel)
1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar

Directions:
1. Cut the Camembert into 3/4-inch chunks or wedges.
2. Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium-size skillet. Add the apples and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the apples just begin to soften. Sprinkle with the sugar, cook for 1 minute longer, and remove from the heat.
3. Spear an apple slice and a piece of cheese on a toothpick and arrange on a serving platter. Or, assemble a platter with the cheese pieces and a small bowl with the apples, and toothpicks on the side. Serve warm or at room temperature.

--A.J. Rathbun