Crusty Ham and Cheese Soufflé

Have a special celebration and want something different to mark the occasion? This savory soufflé can be served with a fruit salad. A great makeover recipe for leftover holiday ham, too!

Recipe Ingredients:

8 ounces finely chopped fully cooked ham (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon dry
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Dash ground allspice
1 cup milk
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
6 large egg yolks
6 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Cooking Directions:

1. Generously butter a 1 1/2-quarter soufflé dish. Attach a foil collar to dish. Measure enough foil to go around dish plus a 2-inch overlap. Fold into thirds lengthwise; place foil around dish with collar extending 2 inches above top of dish. Secure with tape, if necessary. Combine bread crumbs and rosemary; coat bottom and sides of dish with mixture; set aside.
2. In a large saucepan melt butter, stir in flour, mustard, pepper and allspice. Add milk; cook and stir for 6 to 7 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Beat egg yolks; stir in about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Return all to the cheese mixture in the saucepan. Stir in ham; set aside.
3. Using clean beaters, in a large bowl beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gradually pour ham-cheese mixture over beaten whites, folding gently to blend. Spoon mixture into the prepared souffle dish.
4. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven when not quite set; soufflé should shake slightly when gently moved. Remove collar from dish; serve soufflé immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories 505 calories Protein 30 grams Fat 36 grams Sodium 1158 milligrams Cholesterol 508 milligrams

Recipe provided courtesy of National Pork Board.