Muenster Cheese Souffle

Recovering from cheese-induced swoon. Image via Wikipedia

From a beloved reader--Dr. GreenThumbs Hops--a recipe to induce a swoon and thud on the floor. Read it near your chaise wearing a hoop skirt and corset so as to swoon unharmed and prettily in a most Victorian fashion. Who can resist a recipe that comes with the description:

Sometimes this souffle will appear "runny" or uncooked inside-this is only because of the cheese cubes, if they are not small enough. This dish can sometimes be a mess to serve, but it is always a joy to eat.

Dr. Greenthumbs Hops has a most wonderful palate. I believe her when she says it is a "joy to eat". Dr. Hops suggests serving it with wine and a light salad to feed two adults (or four as a side).

Muenster Cheese Souffle

1 1/4 c whole milk
1 1/2 TBSP butter
3 TBSP flour
1/4 tsp cumin

Panko
3 large eggs, separated
1 cup (4 oz.) 1/3" Muenster cheese, rind removed

Bring milk to simmer in small saucepan; remove from heat. Melt butter in heavy saucepan over med. heat. Whisk in flour; cook roux 2 minutes, whisking constantly (do not brown). Gradually whisk in warm milk. Cook until sauce is smooth and thick enough to drop from whisk in thin ribbon, whisking constantly (6-8 minutes). Remove from heat. Mix in cumin and season generously with salt and pepper; transfer to medium bowl and let cool for 10 minutes. This can be made ahead- let stand 2 hours or chill 1 day. Bring to room temp before using.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a souffle dish and coat inside with panko. Whisk egg yolks into souffle base 1 at a time. Stir in cheese cubes. Beat egg whites and pinch of salt in another bowl until stiff but not dry. Folk egg whites into souffle base in 3 additions. Transfer to prepared dish.

Bake souffle until puffed and brown on top, and firm but jiggly to touch, about 30 minutes. Spoon onto 4 plates. Serve with salad and enjoy with copious amounts of white wine. A Sancerre or a white Burgundy are my picks.

Thanks to Dr. Greenthumb Hops. Her recipes are always lovely, and have assumed special places in my files and heart!