g grated Isle of Mull or mature cheddar PLUS 300g grated cheddar to sprinkle of top of the soufflés
g finely grated Parmesan cheese
salt and ground white pepper
pinch of ground nutmeg
pinch of cayenne
g blanched spinach leaves
1 large/2 small leeks, split lengthways, washed, drained, chopped and blanched
g wild mushrooms, chopped
Method
1
Step 1
For the pudding dishes, pre-chill the foil dishes in a fridge or freezer. Pre-heat the oven to 225°C. Lightly brush the foil dishes with the butter. Sprinkle a dessertspoon of flour into each of the foil dishes so it coats the inside. Shake off any excess.
2
Step 2
Keep the foil dishes in a cool place otherwise the butter will melt off the sides and the flour will become sticky.
3
Step 3
For the soufflé base, make a roux with the butter and flour and allow to cool slightly. Bring the milk to a boil with the cayenne, nutmeg and salt. Whisk the roux until it is smooth, pour on the milk and whisk vigorously until thoroughly mixed.
4
Step 4
Put the mixture back into the pan and place on the heat. Whisk continuously as it comes to the boil. Add the egg yolks and continue whisking until well blended. Pour the soufflé "base" into a Pyrex bowl and cover with cling film.
5
Step 5
For the creamy sauce, bring the cream to a gentle simmer with the cheese and seasonings.
6
Step 6
To make and cook the soufflés, gently warm the "base" in the Pyrex dish for 1 minute in a microwave. Tip half of this mixture into a large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until smooth and forming peaks.
7
Step 7
Whisk 2 dessertspoons of the beaten whites into the base, then with a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the remaining whites. Spoon this mixture into the foil dishes, but only fill them 2/3 full. Place onto a baking tray and bake for 8 minutes.
8
Step 8
Remove from the oven but allow to stand for 5 minutes before de-moulding.
9
Step 9
In the meantime, place the spinach into individual serving dishes or 1 large dish. Add the leeks to the cheese sauces and pour into the dish/dishes.
10
Step 10
Carefully tip out the soufflé "bases" onto the sauce. Sprinkle with the extra grated cheese and re-baked for 12 minutes until golden brown and almost double in size.
Ingredients
50 g softened unsalted butter
100 g plain flour
65 g plain flour
60 g unsalted butter
1 pint milk
2 medium eggs, separated
pinch of cayenne pepper
pinch of ground nutmeg
pinch of salt
1 pint double cream
250 g grated Isle of Mull or mature cheddar PLUS 300g grated cheddar to sprinkle of top of the soufflés
150 g finely grated Parmesan cheese
salt and ground white pepper
pinch of ground nutmeg
pinch of cayenne
100 g blanched spinach leaves
1 large/2 small leeks, split lengthways, washed, drained, chopped and blanched