Strawberry Baked Brie and Wine & Cheese Ladies' Night

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We all love a fun ladies' night, and spring is my favorite time for hosting.  Sitting out on the porch, sipping wine, and enjoying each others' company in the warm weather is the best!  I'm always looking for new beverages to try, and I've found the best brand that has something for every white wine lover: Notable Wines.  With two different varieties of chardonnay, Notable was the perfect choice for my most recent get together.  I love that Notable is the first and only wine that highlights the flavor profiles on the front of the bottle, helping make the wine aisle a less confusing place.  What you see is what you sip!

I purchased both the oaky & buttery and fruity & crisp varieties for my girls night to accompany my favorite strawberry baked brie.  Made with fresh berries, picked right here in Charleston, and savory and sweet flavors like honey, basil, and balsamic, this is always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:
- round of Brie cheese
- loaf of French bread
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (about 5-6 leaves)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Unwrap the brie and place it in a cast iron skillet.
3. Slice the baguette and place each slice on a cookie sheet.
4. Bake the brie for 10 minutes alone, then add the baguette to the oven for another 10 minutes with the brie (for a total of 20 minutes).
5. While the brie is baking, combine the berries, walnuts, basil, balsamic, and honey in a large bowl and allow to macerate.
6. After the brie cooks in the oven, place it on a plate and cover with the strawberry topping.

Now it's time to party.  I laid the toasted baguette around the plate and poured everyone a glass (or two) of wine!

This deliciously cheesy, fruity, and nutty appetizer pairs so perfectly with both of the Notable wines!

Now you have all the ingredients to start planning your own ladies' night!  Less than three weeks away (May 21st) is National Chardonnay Day - what the perfect excuse to party!