The base provides the flavor and the whites provide the "lift". Foods commonly used for the base in a soufflé include cheese, chocolate, banana and lemon (the last three are used for desserts, often with a good deal of sugar). When it comes out of the oven, a soufflé should be puffed up and fluffy, and will generally fall after 5 or 10 minutes (as risen dough does). Soufflés can be made in containers of all shapes and sizes but it is traditional to make soufflé in "soufflé cups" or ramekins. These containers vary greatly in size, but are typically glazed white, flat-bottomed, round porcelain containers with unglazed bottoms and fluted exterior borders. There are a number of variations on the soufflé theme.
Basic Classic French Soufflé Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons flour 1/2 cup Grand Marnier 2/3 cup milk 5 eggs, separated 1/2 cup sugar 8 lady fingers ( optional ) 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions: Melt butter, blend with flour. Gradually add milk, stirring. Add sugar, salt and vanilla. When thick and smooth, let cool. Add Grand Marnier and beaten yolks. Stir well. Make sure the crème Anglaise is completely cold before you add the whipped egg whites. Fold in whipped egg whites. Butter and sugar a 2-quart dish. Optional : Crumble lady fingers and sprinkle with Grand Marnier. Pour batter into dish. Don’t forget to clean the rim with your thumb. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes and reduce to 375 degrees for 15 minutes. DON’T OPEN OVEN. Serve immediately if you want with vanilla ice cream whipped with Grand Marnier. And remember, a guest can wait for a souffle, the souffle don’t wait for the guest
[edited July-5-2008]
Also alway's in cooking people need to use some come and sense, ovens vary from kitchen to kitchen, if a recipe don't work out the first time, don't give up, try again and again, making your own adjustments, with terrific results.
This is really helpful information, thanks ChefRene! I have often wondered what defines what is and is not a souffle in the original French sense. Great idea for a group.
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