Friday, March 16, 2012

Cheese Soufflé with FFwDorie

A very French Friday, indeed:  Gruyère Soufflé with lightly dressed greens and a crisp, yet pear-sweet sauvignon blanc from Mark Carter.  Thank you FFwD'ers!

Timing is of the essence with the soufflé, but it really doesn't deserve its experts-only reputation.  I was, however, afraid that I had cooked the béchamel too long, because it was quite thick and looked as if I was whisking a set custard when I  started with the egg yolks.  But, a dollop of cream, and the no-turning-back commitment of inviting two friends over for cheese soufflé lunch "At 1:00 PM", kept me bravely driving forward with Dorie's instructions.  Once I added the half pound of shredded Gruyère, I knew things were going to be ok, because, well, Gruyère.  I folded the egg whites into the questionably firm, cheesy base, popped it into the oven, distracted myself for 45 minutes, then let out a happy and excited "ooo!" when I opened the oven and saw...A Soufflé!  It was no beauty, didn't rise above the rim of my probably too large dish, but it was puffed, stood for its quick photo (below) and was an absolutely delicious way to spend a rainy Friday lunch.

Recipe for Cheese Soufflé, pp. 150-151, from Around My French Table, by Dorie Greenspan

5 comments:

breadbasketcase said...

Brave of you to invite people for lunch to sample your maiden voyage souffle! Glad to hear it all worked out.
Marie
weekendviands.blgspot.com

Guyla said...

Guests for your souffle luncheon! Kudos and it looks lovely!

Mary Hirsch said...

Amy, Your soufflé looks delicious and it did have a nice rise. I am so glad you are excited about making it because others, not so much. I loved pulling out and fine-tuning all my rusty techniques

http://www.lightsonbrightnobrakes.com/

Cher Rockwell said...

Very brave to try this out on guests, but it looks like you came through with flying colors!

Amy said...

We agree...you ARE brave. Glad it worked out!