Delia Smith Twice Baked Souffles Recipes

HOT LEMON CURD SOUFFLES

Steps:

• First of all make the lemon curd by lightly whisking the egg in a medium-sized saucepan, then add the rest of the lemon curd ingredients and place the saucepan over a medium heat. Now whisk continuously using a balloon whisk until the mixture thickens; this won't take long - about 3 minutes in all. Next, lower the heat to its minimum setting and let the curd gently simmer for 1 further minute, continuing to whisk. After that, remove it from the heat and divide the curd between the bases of the ramekins. (This can all be done well in advance, but cover and leave at room temperature.) When you're ready to make the soufflés, separate the eggs, putting the yolks into a medium-sized bowl and the whites into a spanking-clean larger one. Now, using an electric hand whisk, whisk the whites to the stiff-peak stage, which will take 4-5 minutes - start on a slow speed, gradually increasing to medium and then high. Then add the dessertspoon of caster sugar and whisk on a high speed for 30 seconds more. Next add the zest and lemon juice and the remaining 2 oz (50 g) of sugar to the yolks and mix them together briefly. Now take a tablespoon of the whites and fold them into the yolks to loosen the mixture, then fold the rest of the whites in using a light cutting and folding movement so as not to lose the precious air. Spoon the mixture into the prepared ramekins, piling it high like a pyramid, then run a finger round the inside rim of each one. Next place them on the baking sheet and put this in the oven on the centre shelf for 15-17 minutes or until the tops are golden. Then remove them and let them settle for about 5 minutes to allow the lemon curd to cool. They will sink a little, but that's normal. Just before serving, place them on smaller plates and give them a light dusting of icing sugar.

TWICE-BAKED GOAT'S CHEESE SOUFFLéS WITH APPLE & WALNUT SALAD

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan and use about 1 tbsp to grease 6 x 200ml soufflé dishes. Place the remaining butter back on the heat, then scatter over the flour and mix well. Cook for 5 mins, stirring constantly, then gradually whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, until you have a thick, smooth mixture. Stir in the Parmesan, mustard and thyme, then set aside to cool slightly. Beat in the egg yolks, fold through the goat's cheese, season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a large bowl.
• In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they just start to stiffen and hold peaks. Use a metal spoon to fold them into the cheesy mixture, in 3 additions.
• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spoon the mix into the soufflé dishes, then sit them in a roasting tin. Pour boiling water into the tin to reach halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake the soufflés for 20-25 mins until they are risen and coloured. Remove the dishes and set aside for 10 mins. Run a knife around the edges, then turn out onto an ovenproof tray. The soufflés can now be kept covered in the fridge overnight or frozen for up to a month. Defrost fully before reheating as below. To make the Parmesan glaze, whisk the cream, Parmesan and egg yolk until combined.
• About 15 mins before you are ready to eat, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Drizzle the tops of the soufflés with the glaze. Bake for 10 mins, then finally flash under the grill until the tops are golden.
• Make the salad. Toss the salad leaves, apple, chives and walnuts. Mix the red wine vinegar and olive oil together, season, then dress the salad. To serve, place the soufflés in the centre of the plates and scatter salad around each.

DOUBLE-BAKED CHEDDAR SOUFFLéS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Put milk, onion, nutmeg and bay leaves into a pan. Bring to the boil, then set side to infuse for 30 mins. Butter 8 x 150ml ramekins.
• Melt the butter in a second saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook gently for 1 min, stirring. Take off the heat and gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Discard onion and bay leaf. Return to the hob and stir until the sauce boils and thickens.
• Off the heat, stir in the mustard, egg yolks and three-quarters of the cheese, then season. Scrape mixture into a large mixing bowl. In another big bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Boil a full kettle. Carefully fold the whites into the cheese mix and fill ramekins twothirds full. Transfer to a roasting tin, then pour the boiling water into the tin until it reaches halfway up the ramekins. Bake for 15-20 mins or until risen, just set and still a little wobbly. Take out of the tin and leave to cool.
• To serve, heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7(or leave it at 190C/fan 170C/gas 5 if you are cooking the lamb). Loosen soufflés around the edges with a knife, then turn out, upside down, into a shallow ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with rest of cheese, then spoon 1 tbsp cream over each soufflé. Bake for 10-12 mins till puffed and golden on the top (or 12-15 mins at the lower temperature). Serve at once with Crunchy celery & apple salad, below.

TWICE-BAKED CHEESE SOUFFLéS

Steps:

• Lightly grease six 150ml ramekins with oil and coat with the polenta, shaking out any excess. Sit the ramekins in a small roasting tin. Heat the oil and butter in a medium saucepan, stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 min. Remove from the heat and pour in the milk, a little at a time, stirring well until mixture is smooth.
• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Return pan to the heat and cook, stirring continuously, until mixture thickens and comes to the boil. Remove from the heat. Reserve 1 heaped tbsp of the Parmesan and stir the rest into the mixture, with the mustard, then the soft cheese in small spoonfuls. Add the chives, season with pepper and leave to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, make the salsa. Mix together the tomatoes, onion, tomato purée and chillies. Season with a grinding of pepper, and chill.
• Beat the egg yolks into the cheese mixture. Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Using a large metal spoon, fold a spoonful into the mixture to slacken slightly. Gently and evenly fold in the remaining whites, half at a time, keeping mixture light and airy. Evenly spoon into the ramekin dishes to fill. Pour cold water into the roasting tin to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 15-18 mins until golden on top and risen. Carefully remove from the tin and leave to cool. The soufflés will sink as they cool - they can be left for 20 mins before re-baking, or cover the dishes once cold and keep overnight in the fridge.
• When ready to serve, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. If the soufflés have been in the fridge, sit them at room temperature for about 10 mins before baking. Turn each out of its dish and place, right-side up, on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan over each soufflé, then bake for 10 mins or until risen. Scatter with chives. Serve each with a pile of rocket and salsa.