Cranberry & Brie Mushroom Bites with Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel

Did you know that mushrooms can apparently protect your brain as you age? It’s recommended that one eats at least five button mushrooms per day to reduce the risk of neurological illness in the future. Cook them to best preserve their nutritional benefits, either by grilling or microwaving.

Why not start here!

Ingredients

18 portabellini mushrooms

1 wedge/wheel of Brie

1 tbsp fresh thyme

Salt and pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh dill for serving

For the cranberry sauce:

350g frozen cranberries

½ cup sugar

½ cup water

Zest of one orange

Method

Preheat oven to 180˚C.

In a saucepan combine the frozen cranberries, sugar, orange zest and water.

Bring to a boil and stir occasionally until all the sugar has dissolved.

Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for another 15 min or until the sauce has thickened and sticks to the back of a spoon.

Remove the stems from the mushrooms.

Place a rack on a baking sheet and spread out the mushrooms.

Season the cavity with salt and pepper.

Spoon a little cranberry sauce into each mushrooms.

Cut small chunks of brie and place on top of the sauce.

Bake for 5-10 min or until mushrooms are cooked and cheese has melted.

Once cooked, scatter each mushroom bite with fresh dill and serve straight away.

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut

This Cap Classique’s creamy mousse and heady aromas play perfectly with these savoury and sweet mouthfuls. The wine’s nuttiness merges seamlessly with the brie cheese’s own nutty flavour, while its acidity and rich texture bridge the gap between the tart cranberry sauce and the rich and creamy melted brie.

This is an elegant Cap Classique for an elegant canapé.

Cheers!

(Source: The South African Mushroom Farmers Association)

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