BLUE CHEESE SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Prepare 4 (8-ounce) ramekins or a 1 1/2-quart souffle dish by greasing with softened butter and coating with Parmesan.
• Make a thick bechamel sauce base by melting 3 tablespoons butter over low-medium heat in a thick-bottomed saucepan.
• Just as the foam subsides, add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps.
• Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to coat the flour and remove the starchy taste, do not allow to brown.
• Add the hot milk to the roux and continue to whisk until the mixture is smoothly thickened.
• Remove from heat.
• Beat in the egg yolks one at a time.
• Season with salt, pepper, and mustard.
• Stir in the cheese and incorporated evenly.
• Chill while preparing the egg whites.
• In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar just until they hold soft peaks.
• Fold 1/3 of the beaten whites into the bechamel mixture to lighten it.
• Then gently fold in the rest.
• Pour into the prepared ramekins or souffle dish and place on a cookie sheet.
• Bake on the middle rack for about 25 minutes.
• The souffle is done when it has puffed over the rim, the outside is golden and the center giggles slightly.
• Take care not to over bake.