Raspberries 

More than two hundred species of raspberries are grown in the world. Usually Red, Black and Yellow-Gold sorts are sometimes encountered. Related to the blackberry, most cultivated Red raspberries are the result of a cross between the Eurasian species and the American native R. strigosus.

Prized over two thousand years ago, sources say Ancient Greeks were the first to cultivate the raspberry. Growing in many soil types, raspberries do prefer an open and sunny area, well-drained acidic soil and adequate moisture. Raspberry plants have perennial roots with shoots, referred to as canes, that are biennial. 

From Specialty Produce 

  

Pastry-Wrapped Brie with Raspberries

Delicious summer party treat!

Makes 8 appetizer servings or serve on a buffet.  

 

 

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Stir preserves, berries and rosemary in small bowl to blend. Season berry mixture with pepper. Roll out pastry on lightly floured surface to 12-inch square. Cut top rind off cheese; discard rind. Place cheese, rindless side up, in center of pastry. Spoon raspberry mixture onto cheese. Fold pastry on 2 opposite sides over cheese. Brush remaining 2 sides of pastry with glaze. Fold over cheese; press seams to seal. Brush pastry with glaze; place on baking sheet.

Bake cheese until pastry is deep golden brown (top of pastry may split open), about 30 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes. Place baked cheese on serving platter. Surround with crackers, baguette slices, and grapes.
 

 From Bon Appétit

by Inez Holderness