
This stunning holiday centerpiece features a twisted garlic-herb bread wreath encircling a wheel of gooey, melted Camembert. Topped with a zesty spiced cranberry jam, it's the ultimate showstopper for any festive grazing board.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the bread flour, yeast, caster sugar, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Add most of the beaten eggs (reserving a small amount for the final glaze) and 300ml of warm water. Knead the mixture for 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5 minutes in a stand mixer, until the dough is soft and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it prove in a warm spot for 2 hours until doubled in size, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Prepare the jam by simmering the cranberries, chili flakes, and 1 tablespoon of water in a saucepan over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir frequently until the cranberries burst and the mixture becomes thick and glossy; set aside to cool. In a separate small bowl, mash the softened butter with the crushed garlic and finely chopped parsley, rosemary, and sage.
If the dough was chilled overnight, let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before working. On a floured surface, stretch and roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 65 x 25cm. Spread the herb-garlic butter evenly over the entire surface, then roll the dough up tightly from one of the long sides to form a long spiral log.
Using a sharp knife, slice the log in half lengthways to expose the buttery layers. On a large baking tray lined with parchment paper, pinch the two strands together at one end and twist them into a long plait. Form the plait into a circle to create a wreath (about 40cm in diameter), tucking the ends under to hide the join. Cover loosely and let it prove for another 30 minutes until puffed up.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6). Brush the dough with the reserved beaten egg. Unwrap the Camembert, place it back into its wooden holder, and set it in the center of the wreath. Bake for 35 minutes until the bread is golden brown. Transfer to a serving board, remove the top rind of the cheese, and spoon the spiced cranberry jam over the center. Garnish with extra rosemary and serve with your choice of charcuterie.
For the best flavor, allow the dough to prove slowly in the fridge overnight. If you are preparing this ahead of time, the shaped wreath can be kept chilled for up to 4 hours before the final proof and bake. If the cranberry jam is too thick after cooling, stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it.