Baked Cranberry Brie

 Getting together around the holidays is such a joy with children and grandchildren. This easy appetizer is always a hit.

Ingredients:
3 cups fresh cranberries (about 1 12-ounce bag)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 8-inch or 2 4-inch rounds of brie Baguette slices, toasted pita slices, crackers, and/or apple wedges for dipping


Directions:
1. Put everything except the brie, bread, and apples into small pot. Stir together over medium heat until the cran- berries have popped and the liquid has thickened a bit. Set aside (or refrigerate until you're about ready to serve the appetizer).

2. Skim the top white rind off the brie (leaving about a 1/ 4- inch border around the edges on the top).

3. Put brie on foil-covered baking sheet and add cranberry topping.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for about 12-15 minutes until cheese is soft and warm. Serve with baguette slices or toasted pita slices and apple wedges.

*Note: One 4-inch round serves about 8-10. Also,the topping keeps well in the fridge for another time.