2026 Oscars Tasting Menu: Hamnet

Hamnet is the origin story of Hamlet. So, why not just call it Prelude to Hamlet, or something like that? Well, first Shakespeare’s son was named Hamnet. As the movie instructed at the beginning, the letters “l” and and “n”  were interchangeable so was the name Hamnet and Hamlet. This movie is based upon the fictionalized novel of the same name. There are some truths, some misleading scenes: such as the theory when his mother essentially screams out “don’t use my son’s name” - this led to the play being named Hamlet, and other just completely fictional matters. The movie was entertaining, gripping, emotionally charged, and with a couple of intense labor scenes, may likely lead to my girls not wanting to have children or hopefully not engage in activities that could lead to child birth. 

There was also a line in the film where the mother is teaching the children and states “rosemary is…” and they answered “for apples!” That is what inspired these delicious appetizers of apple compote with a sprinkling of rosemary all atop some softened brie on crostini. 

Apple Compote Crostini

• 3 large honeycrisp apples

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 3 tbsp butter

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• Lemon

• 6 oz brie

• Fresh rosemary

Peel, core, and dice the apples. 

Melt the butter in a pot set over medium heat.

Once melted, add in the sugar, apples, and cinnamon. Stir until combined.

Continue to cook 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, and adding a little water in the last minutes of cooking to ensure the apples soften and don’t burn. 

Once the apples are softened enough, use a potato masher to break up most of the apple pieces. Leave some small chunks in the mix. 

Stir in juice from half a lemon and set aside to cool. 

While the compote cools, place pieces of brie on 25-30 toasted rounds of a baguette, and place them in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes, to soften the cheese.

Meanwhile, mince a small sprig of fresh rosemary leaves. 

After 10 minutes, remove the crostini from the oven. Spoon on the compote, sprinkle on the rosemary, and serve.

______________________________ Copyright 2026, Brendan McCann, All Rights Reserved.