I love to watch cooking shows on TV. I can get bored with the same old recipes week in and week out. Even the recipes that are seasonal. I always love the cooking shows with the nice looking chef and beautiful scenery etc.
Last Sunday I was watching TV and the most incredible souffle came up. I had never made a souffle but with Giada's guidance it was a success.
Giada DeLaurentiis is a favorite in this house. Not just with me but the kids too. Give this one a try. I hope it warms your bones. You can use any cheeses that you want. In fact we substitued the cheddar cheese for a cheese blend of mild cheddar,monterey jack, and colby. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter for greasing the souffle dish, plus 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons), at room temperature
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild Cheddar
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 packed cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 store-bought, rotisserie chicken, breast meat only, skinned and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
- 6 egg yolks, at room temperature, lightly beaten
- 2 (1/2-inch thick) slices country-style white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 6 egg whites, at room temperature
Directions
Special equipment: a 2-quart (8-cups) souffle dish
Arrange an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 2-quart souffle dish. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat 1/2 stick of butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheeses, the spinach, chicken, egg yolks, and bread cubes. Stir until combined (mixture will be thick).
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites at high speed until they hold stiff peaks, about 2 minutes. Stir 1/4 of the egg whites into the chicken mixture. Using a spatula, fold in the remaining egg whites. Spoon the batter into the prepared dish and bake until the souffle is puffed and the top is firm and golden, about 55 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.