FOUR WAYS WITH: baked brie

Lend your entertaining a certain je ne sais quoi with these inspiring twists on a classic French treat.

Baked brie, mustard and ham SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 20 MINUTES

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). You will need a 200g wheel of brie in a wooden box. Open brie box; remove plastic lining wrapper. Line base and side of box with baking paper, extending paper 1cm above the side. Line the box with 4 slices of pancetta or prosciutto; top with 2 tablespoons of bought onion marmalade. Return brie to box. Score surface of brie in a circular pattern at 2cm intervals,

1cm deep. Brush 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard into cuts. Spoon an extra 1 tablespoon onion marmalade on top. Top with 3 sage leaves. Replace box lid. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve with baguette.

Baked brie and pesto SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 20 MINUTES

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fanforced. You will need a 200g wheel of brie in a wooden box. Open brie box; remove plastic lining wrapper. Line base and side of box with baking paper, extending paper 1cm above the side. Cut brie in half horizontally. Return base of brie to box; spread with 2 tablespoons pesto, then add top half of brie. Score surface of brie in a crisscross pattern at 2cm intervals, 1cm deep. Top brie with 2 tablespoons roasted slivered almonds, leaves from 1 sprig fresh rosemary and fresh ground black pepper. Replace box lid. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve with lavash bread.

Garlic brie in a box SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 20 MINUTES

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). You will need a 200g wheel of brie in a wooden box. Open brie box; remove plastic lining wrapper. Line base and side of box with baking paper, extending paper 1cm above the side. Return brie to box. Score surface of brie in a crisscross pattern at 2cm intervals, 1cm deep. Halve 1 garlic clove; push into cheese. Pour 1 teaspoon olive oil over brie; season. Wet 2 bay leaves and 1 sprig fresh thyme, place on cheese. Replace box lid. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve with toasted bread.

Quince, brie and walnuts in a box SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 20 MINUTES

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). You will need a 200g wheel of brie in a wooden box. Open brie box; remove plastic lining wrapper. Line base and side of box with baking paper, extending paper 1cm above the side. Return brie to box. Score surface of brie at 1cm intervals, 1cm deep. Cut quince paste into strips, insert into cuts.

Top with 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped walnuts. Replace box lid. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve with crackers and wedges of pear.