Goat Cheese Soufflé

Instructions

1. Prepare the ramekins
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter four 8-ounce ramekins generously. Dust with Parmesan cheese, tapping out any excess. Place the prepared ramekins on a baking sheet and set aside.
2. Make the béchamel base
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbling but not browned. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Add the goat cheese
   Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let cool for 2 minutes, then whisk in the egg yolks one at a time. Crumble in the goat cheese and stir until mostly melted and incorporated, leaving some small chunks for texture.
4. Beat the egg whites
   In a clean bowl with clean beaters, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until they form stiff, glossy peaks. Be careful not to overbeat, as this will make the soufflé dry.
5. Fold and combine
   Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the cheese mixture to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining whites using a rubber spatula with a light hand, maintaining as much air as possible in the mixture. Fold just until no large white streaks remain.
6. Fill and bake the soufflés
   Spoon the mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling them almost to the top. Run your thumb around the inner edge of each ramekin to create a small channel (this helps the soufflés rise evenly). Sprinkle with chives if desired.
7. Bake to perfection
   Place the baking sheet with ramekins in the preheated oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes until soufflés have risen well above the rims and are golden brown on top. They should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Serve immediately
   Soufflés wait for no one! Bring them directly to the table as they will begin to deflate within minutes. Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a perfect contrast.