Three-Cheese Soufflé

Full of rich cheese flavor, this soufflé makes a wonderful supper or brunch.

Preparation: 25 to 30 minutes, plus baking time.

Makes 8 servings

unsalted butter for dish(es)

½cup grated Reggiano Parmesan

cheese, divided

¼cup unsalted butter

5tablespoons unbleached, all-purpose flour

1¼ cups evaporated fat-free milk (not reconstituted)

¼cup dry white vermouth

pinch cayenne

pinch freshly ground nutmeg

6 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼teaspoon freshly ground pepper ¾ cup grated imported Gruyère ½ cup grated sharp white Cheddar 8 large egg whites

¼teaspoon cream of tartar

Arrange rack in lower third of oven; preheat oven to 400°F. Generously butter a 10-cup soufflé dish, (you may also use eight 1¼-cup individual soufflé dishes) and sprinkle with half the Parmesan.

Melt butter in a 2¾-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly without browning, until the mixture bubbles, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, then vermouth. Cook until thickened, whisking constantly, about 2 to 3 minutes; stir in cayenne and nutmeg. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.

Combine yolks, salt and pepper in a small bowl; mix on Speed 1/Low until smooth, 30 seconds. While mixing on speed 2/Low, add yolk mixture to sauce all at once and mix until well blended, 20 seconds. Stir in cheeses on speed 1/Low, 20 seconds. Wash the beaters with hot water and soap; dry completely.

Place egg whites and cream of tartar in a large stainless or glass mixing bowl. Beat on speed 5/High until stiff peaks form, about 2½ minutes. Use a rubber spatula to stir 1 cup of the beaten egg whites into the cheese sauce, then gently fold the remaining egg whites into the mixture, ¹/³ at a time. Gently spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared dish(es). Smooth over the top. Place in the hot 400°F oven and immediately reduce the heat to 375°F. Bake the soufflé until puffed and golden – about 45 to 50 minutes for the large soufflé and 25 to 30 minutes for

individual soufflés. The centers will be just barely set and creamy. Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives and serve immediately.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 280 (61% from fat) • carb. 9g • pro. 16g

•fat 19g • sat. fat 10g • chol. 203mg • sod. 445mg

•calc. 370mg • fiber 0g