Nigel Slater

Camembert Baked in the Box

Pure indulgence, this. As the Camembert bakes, the cheese underneath the crust becomes a hot, creamy, sticky, smelly, bubbling pool.

Enough for 2

a whole small Camembert in it's wooden box
a clove of garlic, peeled and halved
a little white wine

Method:
Take the cheese from it's wooden box and remove the paper wrapping. Push the cheese back into the box.

Smear the top of the cheese with the cut halves of garlic. They will lightly scent the cheese without overpowering it (it is actually quite difficult to overpower a Camembert). Make half a dozen tiny holes in the rind and drizzle a little white wine into them. Just a few drops. Replace the lid. Bake in an oven preheated to 400ºF for twenty-five to thirty minutes or until hot and bubbling.

While the cheese is cooking put the potatoes on to broil in salted water. Serve the melted cheese in its box, dipping in the spuds or some gherkins, or simply a chunk or two of very crusty bread.