Cherry Pistachio Brie

I used to make something similar but in puff pastry, but I think the puff pastry was unnecessary, and this is prettier. I served it at the inaugural book club for my neighborhood, and it was all GONE!

1/2 cup  snipped dried cherries (ideally chopped with scissors in a little bowl)
1/4 cup  cherry preserves
1 tablespoon  Cognac or brandy
1 round  Brie cheese
1/2 cup  pistachios or walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
Crackers

Put brie on a piece of parchment paper and put on low for 3 hours or high for 1 1/4 hours. (This makes the brie soft but not melted – fabulous tip!)

In a bowl combine cherries, preserves, and Cognac or brandy. (You can do this early in the day too.)

Transfer brie to a serving platter. Spoon the cherry mixture on top of cheese.

Just before serving, sprinkle pistachios on top of cherries. Serve with crackers.

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens