Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Brie Spread

Photo & Recipe by: bashful8788

Caramelized onions are combined with the soft inner portion of brie cheese and balsamic vinegar to make this spread for crackers or toast.

Ingredients
•2 tbsp butter
•1/2 of a white onion
•1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
•1/2 lb. of brie cheese
•1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
•1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste
•Toasted bread or crackers

Preparation
1. Thinly slice onion. Then heat a pan on medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add butter and allow to brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Do not let it burn. Once butter is browned, add onion and saute on medium heat until caramelized and brown, approximately 15-20 minutes. When onions are caramelized, add balsamic vinegar to the onions and saute for 1 minute. Turn off heat
2. Remove the outer rind of the brie. You will be left with the soft center. Mix balsamic-onion mixture into the soft brie, then add salt and pepper. The heat of the onion will slightly melt the brie. Serve immediately with toasted bread or crackers.

Caramelized-Onion Dip with Cilantro-Garlic Pita Crisps

By: Bon Appétit at Epicurious

(photo by: Gary Moss)

INGREDIENTS

Dip

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups chopped sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Maui; about 2 medium)
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1 8-ounce container crème fraîche or sour cream (1 cup)

Pita crisps

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
6 pita breads
Chopped fresh chives

PREPARATION

For dip:

Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until onions are deep brown and begin to crisp slightly, stirring often, about 40 minutes. Add garam masala; stir 1 minute. Transfer to small bowl and cool completely. Mix in crème fraîche. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Do ahead Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.

For pita crisps:

Finely chop enough cilantro leaves to measure 2 tablespoons. Chop enough cilantro stems to measure 3 tablespoons. Combine oil and garlic in heavy small saucepan; cook over medium heat until oil begins to bubble around garlic, about 5 minutes. Add chopped cilantro stems. Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes. Strain oil into small bowl; discard solids in strainer.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut each pita bread round horizontally in half. Cut each round into 6 wedges. Place pita wedges on 2 rimmed baking sheets; drizzle with cilantro-garlic oil and toss gently to coat. Arrange pita wedges in single layer; bake 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro leaves and bake until pita wedges are crisp and golden, about 5 minutes longer. Cool. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature. Sprinkle dip with chives; place on platter. Surround with pita crisps.