These soufflés can be made a day or a few hours before serving, just reheat in cream and extra cheese. Serve with a citrus and peppery leave salad.
SERVES 6
125g mixed wild mushrooms, wiped clean
1 clove garlic crushed
1 tbsp butter
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
A few sprigs thyme, leaves picked
50g butter plus extra for greasing
A small handful of finely grated mature cheddar
40g plain flour
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
250ml milk
A good grating whole nutmeg
A pinch of chilli powder
A few chives finely chopped
3 eggs, separated
200g mixed strength grated cheese (add some crumbled if you like too, like a little soft goat’s or blue)
150ml double cream
- Start by preparing the mushrooms. Place a medium sized frying pan on a medium heat and add the butter. Let the butter froth a little then stir in the garlic followed swiftly by 75g mushrooms. Stir fry for a minute then season with salt and pepper and pick in the thyme leaves. Fry the mushrooms gently for a few minutes until softened then place to one side on a plate.
- Take 6 ramekins or tea cups and brush well with butter. Sprinkle the inside of each with mature cheddar then place to one side. Tap out any excess cheese and add to the amount for the soufflé mix.
- Take a medium sized saucepan and place on a low heat. Add the butter and allow to bubble a little then stir in the flour and mustard. Stir for 1 minute or until frothing and then slowly pour in the milk and whisk well. Cook on a low heat until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the nutmeg, chilli powder, chives and 150g cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted then whisk in the egg yolks.
- Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6. In a large, clean mixing bowl whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Place a spoon of whisked egg white into the sauce and fold it in to loosen up the mixture. Then fold in the remaining egg white using a metal spoon until just incorporated.
- Fill a kettle and set to boil. Divide the fried mushrooms between the ramekins and fill with soufflé mix, then place the ramekins in a deep roasting tray. Place the tray in the oven then carefully fill the roasting tray half way with boiling water and close the oven door. Bake the soufflés for 12-15 mins or until golden and risen. Remove the ramekins from the oven and allow to cool completely. Run a knife around the edge of the soufflés and turn out onto tray, cover and chill overnight.
- When you’re nearly ready to serve preheat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Put the soufflés in a baking dish, pour over the cream and sprinkle over the cheese. Bake for 10 – 15 mins or until golden. Meanwhile pan fry the remaining mushrooms. Remove from the oven, scatter over the mushrooms and serve with a winter leaf salad.
Recipe by clarencecourt.co.uk