Ina Garten's Blue Cheese Souffle'

By Unblond1

This is the first souffle' I ever made. It wasn't the least bit difficult!
The key is to organize all of your ingredients ahead of time (mis en place).
You can use any kind of cheese you like. I used a combo of sharp cheddar and some blue cheese and this was a light souffle'.
Very simple, really!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the dish
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup scalded milk
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• Pinch nutmeg
• 4 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 3 ounces good Roquefort cheese, chopped
• 5 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Details

Servings 2
Adapted from foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Butter the inside of an 8-cup souffle dish (7 1/2 inches in diameter and 3 1/4 inches deep) and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan.

NOTE: I used 4 small ramekins and make "collars" with parchment paper so the souffle could rise higher.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. With a wooden spoon, stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

Off the heat, whisk in the hot milk (I heated it in the microwave for about 90 seconds), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the cayenne, and nutmeg.

Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, until smooth and thick.

Off the heat, while still hot, whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time. Stir in the Roquefort and the 1/4 cup of Parmesan and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Put the egg whites, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

Beat on low speed for 1 minute, on medium speed for 1 minute, then finally on high speed until they form firm, glossy peaks.

Whisk 1/4 of the egg whites into the cheese sauce to lighten and then fold in the rest.

Pour into the souffle dish, then smooth the top.

Draw a large circle on top with the spatula to help the souffle rise evenly, and place in the middle of the oven.

Turn the temperature down to 375 degrees F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes (don't peek!) until puffed and brown. Serve immediately.