Mont d'Or Baked Cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove any plastic packaging from the cheese but keep it in its wooden box. If your cheese doesn't come in a wooden box, place it in an oven-safe dish. Remove the lid of the wooden box if it has one.
2. Create flavor infusion
   Using a small knife, make several small slits in the top of the cheese. Insert the sliced garlic pieces into these slits. Strip the leaves from one sprig of thyme and sprinkle over the top of the cheese, tucking some into the slits with the garlic.
3. Add wine and honey
   Pour the white wine over the cheese, allowing it to seep into the slits. Drizzle the honey over the top and add a few grinds of black pepper. Place the remaining thyme sprig on top as garnish.
4. Prepare for baking
   Wrap the bottom and sides of the wooden box with aluminum foil to prevent any leakage during baking. Place the box on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow.
5. Bake to perfection
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling slightly at the edges. The top should be lightly golden.
6. Prepare accompaniments
   While the cheese is baking, arrange the sliced baguette, boiled potatoes, cornichons, and cured meats on a serving platter.
7. Serve immediately
   Remove the cheese from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Bring it to the table still in its box on a heat-resistant surface. Serve immediately while hot and molten, allowing guests to dip bread and potatoes directly into the melted cheese.