Baked Camembert with Red Peppercorn
VALÉRIE HENBEST
Amongst the hustle and bustle of Adelaide’s Central Market, Australia’s Original Smelly Cheese Shop charms tourists and locals alike who share a sharp eye for the best of the best, hard-to-find cheeses. It’s the crème de la crème of sophisticated, worldly cheese, and has lit up the Adelaide food scene.
Twenty years and a whole lot of rinds later, and Valérie Henbest still has the gleam in her eye of someone who stumbled upon the cheese industry—and instantly knew she’d found her calling.
This month, Valérie’s shared a gooey, honeyed and spiced Baked Camembert—finished with a splash of our very own Wendy Chardonnay.
INGREDIENTS
BAKED CAMEMBERT WITH RED PEPPERCORN
1 whole Camembert (preferably 250g)
1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
1tbsp honey
1tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1tbsp Wendy Chardonnay (or any dry white wine)
1 pinch of dried red chilli flakes (optional)
sea salt flakes, to taste
freshly cracked red peppercorns, to taste
METHOD
Start by preheating the oven to either 180°C or 160°C if using a fan-forced oven. While that is heating, prepare the Camembert.
Unwrap the Camembert and place it back into the wooden cheese box, leaving the lid off, or place into a small, oven-safe dish.
Score the top of the Camembert with a deep cross or crosshatch pattern, then drizzle the honey and olive oil over.
Next, tuck the prepared garlic slices inside the open cuts.
Carefully pour over the Wendy Chardonnay, allowing it to soak in to enhance the flavour. Then, sprinkle with your preferred amount of sea salt flakes, cracked red peppercorns for mild heat, and chilli flakes if you prefer some extra spice.
Next, remove the heated baking tray from the oven and place the wooden box or oven-safe dish with the Camembert onto the tray before placing it back into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and bubbling.
SERVING SUGGESTION
This dish is ideal when served right out of the oven and accompanied by warm, crusty baguette slices or crispy roast potatoes—both options perfect for dipping and sharing.