Christmas phyllo flower with camembert, red wine onions, and thyme pears

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 190 °C / 375 °F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring, until softened.

3. 3

   Add the red wine, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the onion is glossy, soft, and almost dry. Stir in half of the fresh thyme and let it cool slightly.

4. 4

   In another small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the pear, the remaining fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the pear is tender but still holds its shape. Remove from the heat.

5. 5

   Lay the phyllo dough on a clean surface and cover it with a barely damp towel so it does not dry out. Melt the remaining unsalted butter again if needed.

6. 6

   Place one sheet of phyllo dough down and lightly brush it with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush again. Cut the stack into 3 long strips of equal width. Repeat with all the phyllo dough to make several double strips.

7. 7

   At one end of each strip, place a little of the wine onion, a few pieces of camembert, and some thyme pear. Sprinkle with some toasted walnuts. Fold each strip into wide accordion-like pleats, without pressing too tightly, to create petals.

8. 8

   Arrange the petals in a circle on the prepared tray, overlapping slightly to form a large flower. Add a little more camembert, wine onion, and pear in the center.

9. 9

   Brush the surface with the beaten egg. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes at 190 °C / 375 °F, until the phyllo is deeply golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.

10. 10

    Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. Finish with the honey drizzled on top and the remaining toasted walnuts. Serve hot or warm.

11. 11

    For a deeper finish, you may return the flower to the oven for 2 additional minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, watching carefully so it does not burn.