Spinach And Roquefort Souffles - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
softened butter, for brushing
1/4 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
10 ounces drained frozen chopped spinach
1 tablespoon chives
6 large eggs, separated
5 ounces Roquefort cheese
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400\u00b0 and brush seven 1-cup ramekins with butter. Lightly coat the ramekins with 2 tablespoons of the Parmigiano-Reggiano and set them on a sturdy baking sheet.
In a medium saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook over moderate heat for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and cook over moderately low heat until smooth and very thick, about 2 minutes. Stir in the salt and cayenne. Off the heat, whisk in the egg yolks. Let cool slightly. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the Roquefort, spinach and chives.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar at medium-high speed until frothy. Increase the speed to high and beat until firm peaks form. With a rubber spatula, fold the egg whites into the souffle base until no streaks of white remain.
Spoon the souffle mixture into the ramekins, filling them to 1/2-inch below the rim. Run your thumb inside the rim of each ramekin to help the souffles rise evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano on top and bake in the bottom third of the oven until the souffles are puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, bake in a 7-cup souffle at 375\u00b0 for 40 minutes. Serve immediately.