Apples and honey lend themselves very well to desserts. Obviously they are both very sweet and a great addition to baked goods!
Inspired by brisket hand pies that I saw on Instagram a few weeks ago, I created Apple and honey brie bites. They make the perfect appetizer, with a more savory way of cooking the apples with thyme and brie!
These bites will go quickly so make sure you make a whole bunch!
Dough
2 ½ Cups flour
¾ Cup butter, very cold
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
3-4 Tablespoons ice cold gin
1-2 Tablespoons ice cold water
Apple Filling
1 Granny smith apple, chopped into ½ inch pieces
2 Tablespoons butter
1 ½ Teaspoons dried thyme
1 Teaspoon lemon zest
Additional filling ingredients
Brie cheese, cut into 1 inch portions
Honey
Begin by making the dough. Place the flour and sugar into a food processor. Cut the butter into 1 inch cubes and place in the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles sand.
Once the mixture has a sandy texture ad din the gin and water. YOU MAY NOT NEED ALL OF IT, so start with 3 Tablespoons of gin and 1 tablespoon of water. The gin will evaporate while the bites bake and create a super flaky crust.
Pulse until a dough comes together, adding in the additional water and gin if necessary.
When the dough comes together, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. While the dough is chilling, make the filling.
Chop the apple into ½ Inch cubes. Heat a pan with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Place the apples in the pan and cook for 5-10 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the thyme and lemon zest. Cook for 5 additional minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Roll out the pie dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Using a wine glass, cut out circles. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet about ¼ inch apart.
Spoon 1 teaspoon of the cooked apples onto each circle of dough. Place one piece of brie on top and a drop of honey.
Cut additional circles to cover the ones on the tray. Using your finger, make sure the edges are sealed. Poke 3 holes in the top of each bite.
Whisk one egg with 1 Teaspoon water and using a pastry brush, brush over each bite.
Bake for 15 minutes. Serve warm.
