Elegant Fig Brie Braid (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - Fresh thyme sprigs
02 - 1 egg
03 - 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
04 - 1 wheel brie (8-9 oz), rind removed and sliced
05 - 1/2 to 3/4 cup fig jam
06 - 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
07 - A pinch of kosher salt or finishing salt
08 - Slices of pear or apple for an optional garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it heats up.
02 - Stretch the puff pastry into a 15 x 10 inch (38 x 25 cm) rectangle on a floured countertop.
03 - Gently place your rolled-out pastry onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
04 - Use a spoon to evenly layer fig jam down the center of the pastry.
05 - Lay the brie slices over the fig jam carefully.
06 - Cut the edges of the puff pastry into 2-inch (5 cm) strips, leaving the center uncut for the filling. Space cuts about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
07 - Fold the top end of your pastry over a little, then begin tightly wrapping the pastry strips over the filling. Cover everything well to keep the filling inside.
08 - Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl to create your egg wash.
09 - Coat the entire braided pastry generously with the egg wash mixture.
10 - Scatter fresh thyme and a little finishing salt over the braid for extra flavor.
11 - Put the braid into the oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it's puffed up and golden on top.
12 - Take the pastry out of the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve. You can decorate it with slices of fresh pear or apple if you'd like.