Brie and Berries on a Baguette

A few years ago my brother Lincoln married his wonderful wife Caren in Bodega Bay, California. Bodega Bay is a magical area with golden hills abutting steep cliffs above the ocean. Lincoln and Caren were married on a farm on a hilltop on a perfect day full of resplendent sunshine. We danced on the grass and ate organic vegetarian food, the quintessential Northern California experience for a couple that had met and nurtured their relationship there.

We stayed (not long enough) at the Bodega Bay Lodge, which welcomed guests every evening with California wines and cheeses. One of the appetizers they set out at cocktail hour was the simplest combination, but I had never seen it, nor have I forgotten it. Soft brie was layered on a fresh baguette and topped with seasonal berries. Scrumptious simplicity. You don't have to wait for a cocktail party to serve this tart, sweet, and creamy combination.  Surprise your family before (or instead of) dinner one night with a mocktail hour with a couple of appetizers like Brie and Berries on a Baguette, Avocado Garlic Toasts, and even a cocktail like Icy Watermelon Mojitos, which can be made with or without rum.