“We may be faced with an alarming number of weddings soon. I won’t even know what to call you. Sister… or Mother? “

– Margaery Tyrell to Cersei Lannister

What’s Up, Hungry People

This week, as we continue our Game of Thrones themed recipe journey, we’re heading back to King’s Landing, right after a grand wedding feast.

For those who haven’t caught up with the series, beware, spoilers lie ahead!

Tommen Baratheon’s union with Margaery Tyrell was a brief moment of hope for Westeros, merging the Lannister and Tyrell houses. In an ideal world, they would wander the gardens of King’s Landing, enjoying apple rose tarts and brie, delicacies befitting their status. Yet, in the turbulent reality of Game of Thrones, such peace is fleeting. Margaery Tyrell, perhaps the fairest contender for the throne, met a tragic end, leaving us to honor her memory and her fleeting moments of happiness with Tommen through this inspired recipe.

“One of my husbands preferred the company of men and was stabbed through the heart. Another was happiest torturing animals and was poisoned at our wedding feast. I must be cursed.” Margaery’s reflections to Olenna Tyrell about her ill-fated marriages add depth to her character and highlight the perilous path of love and power in Game of Thrones.

Tommen Baratheon was the good that Westeros needed. Once he married Margaery Tyrell and united the Lannister and Tyrell houses, albeit briefly. I’d like to think in an alternate, less violent Game of Thrones universe that Tommen and Margaery lived happily ever after and dined on fine pastries while strolling the gardens.

This recipe for apple & brie tart is inspired by the elegance and grace of Margaery Tyrell, a fitting tribute to the queen that could have been. It combines the simplicity of apples and brie, a nod to the high-quality ingredients found in King’s Landing, with the sophistication expected of a dish served to royalty. As we prepare this dish, let’s remember the potential for peace and unity in Westeros, embodied by Margaery and Tommen’s short-lived reign.

Through this recipe, we not only celebrate the intricate world of Game of Thrones and its characters but also bring a piece of that world into our kitchens. So, Hungry People, let’s honor the memory of King’s Landing’s most beloved queen in the best way we know how: through good food.

Here’s What You Need

• Red apples: Adds sweetness and texture; their shape allows for beautiful presentation as rose petals.
• Phyllo dough: Provides a crispy, flaky base that contrasts with the softness of the apples and brie.
• Raw honeycomb: Introduces a natural sweetness and unique texture; melts into the dish for added flavor.
• Brie: Offers a creamy, rich element that balances the tartness of the apples and complements the honeycomb.
• Lemon juice: Prevents apples from browning; adds a slight tanginess that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Hot water: Softens apples to make them pliable for shaping without breaking.

Let’s Cook

Start by coring your apples and slicing them thinly. They’re going to be our rose petals, so the thinner, the better. Next, grab a bowl that’s microwave-safe, pour in 3 cups of hot water, and heat it in the microwave for about two minutes. Stir in 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, then add your apple slices. Microwave them again for two minutes, then let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This softens them up, making them pliable enough to shape without breaking.

Setting the Stage with Phyllo Dough

While the apples are soaking, let’s get the oven preheated to 350°F and deal with the phyllo dough. Thaw it out if you haven’t already and gently unroll it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cut the dough in half because we’re making two beautiful tarts here. Remember, phyllo dough can be a bit tricky; it dries out fast, so work quickly or keep it covered with a damp cloth.

Assembling the Tart

Now, take your wheel of brie and cut it in half horizontally. You’ll want two rounds, each about 1/2 inch thick. Place each round, cut side up, on your phyllo dough halves. This is where it gets fun. Drain your apples and give them a quick pat dry. If they start to brown, a little extra lemon juice can work wonders here. Arrange the apple slices around the brie, barely touching the edge at first. Then, layer more on, slightly overlapping, around the edges. Use the remaining slices to create a beautiful rose pattern on top of the brie. For the pièce de résistance, put a square of raw honeycomb right in the center. It’ll help hold everything together and add a sweet touch.

Baking to Perfection

Pop your tarts into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that golden phyllo dough, melted honeycomb, and irresistibly oozing brie. Once it’s all done, let the tarts cool for about 20 minutes. This waiting game ensures everything sets perfectly.

The Final Touch

Before serving, top each tart with a piece of honeycomb. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes your tart look even more inviting. Now, it’s ready to hit the table and impress even the highest of royalties.

Apple & Brie Tart Tips

• Thinning the apples: Ensure apples are thinly sliced to easily bend and form the rose shape without breaking. Using a mandoline slicer can achieve uniform thinness and presentation.
• Working with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so keep it covered with a damp cloth while working. This prevents it from breaking and makes it easier to handle.
• Preventing browning: After slicing, keep apples in lemon water until ready to use. This step is crucial for maintaining the vibrant color of the apples throughout the baking process.
• Melting the honeycomb: Placing the honeycomb in the center of the tart not only secures the apple arrangement but also ensures it melts evenly, distributing sweetness throughout.
• Cooling before serving: Allowing the tart to cool is essential for the brie to set slightly. This makes the tart easier to slice and serve without the cheese running out.
• Serving suggestions: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a drizzle of additional melted honeycomb or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This enhances both the flavor and presentation.

So there you have it, Hungry People, a tribute to the fleeting moments of harmony in King’s Landing with the Margaery Tyrell’s apple and brie tart. A dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is elegant, mirroring the grace of the Queen we wished could have led Westeros into an era of peace. Whether you’re hosting a Game of Thrones watch party or simply in the mood for a taste of the Seven Kingdoms, this recipe promises to bring a piece of that world to your table. No dragons required, just a passion for good food and a bit of patience. Enjoy the blend of creamy brie, tender apples, and the sweet punch of honeycomb – a dish worthy of any feast in King’s Landing.

31 Game of Thrones Recipes – MAESTER LIST