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–+ servings

A Dip of Three Cheeses

Dates, brandy, and brie elevate this cheese dip to party status. If you were to argue that the words “elegant” and “dip” can’t live side-by-side in harmony, well…you’d be wrong.
I love the funk the brie rind brings to the party, so I never remove it. You can of course, but you’ll need even more cheese to make up the total amount.
This recipe first appeared on altonbrown.com.
Three Cheese and Date Dip Recipe
ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 3 cups

Software

  • 4 ounces (about 8 large) medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/2 cup muscovado sugar
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 6 ounces brie cheese, cut into chunks
  • 4 ounces walnuts, toasted

Specialized Hardware

  • Slow cooker

Procedure

  • Combine the dates, water, brandy, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and reduce until dates are softened and mixture is syrup-thick, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. This part can be made up to 1 week in advance.
  • Add the mascarpone, cream cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper to slow cooker and whip with a hand mixer on medium speed.
  • Fold in the brie, walnuts, and date mixture and cook on low for 1 hour. Stir and continue to maintain serving temp on the low or "warm" setting if available. Serve with toasted baguette.