[Recipe] A Cosy Autumnal Hosting Favourite: LIGHTLY SPICED BAKED CAMEMBERT DRIZZLED WITH HONEY

I’ve always been sentimental—I’ve kept almost every single personal letter or birthday card I have ever received. I’m the friend who insists on inconveniently squeezing in that specific catch up we always do at that same time of every year, because I value tradition. I take comfort in its predictability, and the nostalgia of memories reignited. In these practices, new meaningful moments are experienced and become memories to cherish in coming years. These connections of past and present make me feel at home. 

In the spirit of feeling “at home,” I am pleased to share this simple yet wholesome recipe that can be enjoyed with those you treasure—the people whose presence just feels like home.

The ‘Lightly Spiced Baked Camembert Drizzled With Honey’ oozes warmth and offers a mix of sweet, savoury, and a touch of spice.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Ingredients

- Camembert Cheese: approx. 200-250g (at room temperature before baking)
Note: if you don’t have the correct sized ramekin at home, you can buy camembert packaged in a wooden box that is safe for the oven and helps to contain the melted cheese and retain its original shape.

- Honey: use as little or as much as desired.

- Red Chilli Flakes: I usually only add a sprinkle, but the amount can be adjusted to personal preference.

- Sea Salt: again, just a sprinkle is my recommendation, but you may add more if desired.

- Rosemary: I like to use a couple of sprigs of rosemary, but you may prefer to use thyme.

Serveware and Optional Accessories

- Ramekin: this is to hold the cheese during baking and serving if you haven’t opted for a camembert that already comes packaged in a wooden box. A second ramekin is also useful for serving honey.

- Honey dipper: I prefer to use a honey dipper because they offer more control over the honey distribution, but a butterknife or spoon will suffice.  

- Serving tray and decor: for those wanting a full experience with a visually captivating tablescape, I recommend serving your baked camembert and its pairings on a beautiful serving tray coupled with candles/candle holders and natural pieces, such as florals, greenery or woody materials like pinecones.

In my pictures, I have used the Whitewash Hunter Round Wooden Serving Tray and matching Whitewash Ember Wooden Candle Holders which are paired with 35cm candles from our range of the Moreton Eco Taper Dinner Candles. For greenery, I chose to use olive branches.

HOW TO MAKE: LIGHTLY SPICED BAKED CAMEMBERT DRIZZLED WITH HONEY

Step 1. Remove the camembert cheese from its wrapping and score the top with a sharp knife.

Step 2. Place the camembert cheese into a ramekin or wooden box.
Note: if using a wooden box, ensure any stickers or plastic has been removed. 

Step 3. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle chilli flakes and sea salt, then add rosemary sprigs.

Step 4. Bake your camembert cheese at 180°C for about 12-15 minutes depending on your oven strength. It should look gooey and bubbly.
Note: to avoid mess, ensure your ramekin or wooden box is wrapped in aluminium foil and placed on a baking sheet to collect any potential spills.

Step 5. Serve immediately.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

- Mini toasts for dipping or crusty toasted bread (cheese can be applied with a butterknife).

- Fruit: strawberries, apple, pear, grapes and dried apricots all complement the rich, creaminess of the camembert and add a pleasantly sweet contrast to the saltiness and spiced flavours in the topping.

- Nuts: walnuts, almonds and pecans all work well with the cheese and topping flavours, as well as offering texture variation.

- Alcoholic Drinks: this is a tricky recommendation, particularly because some say wine doesn’t pair well with spicy food. However, a bold, fruity shiraz may work due to its peppery notes and acidity. Bubbly drinks can also be complementary (depending on flavour notes), such as sparkling red or white wine or a sparkling apple, pear or cherry cider. In terms of cocktails, a classic Gin & Tonic works well or something with similar flavours to the dish, such as a Honey Old Fashioned.

Thank you for reading, I hope this recipe inspires you to gather with your dearest, and offers the kind of warmth and comfort that feels just like home.

♱ Susannah ♱