Wednesday, September 9, 2009

T(hursdays)WD #84: It's pronounced soo-flay

“The only thing that will make a soufflé fall is if it knows you are afraid of it.” ~James Beard

Oh man. I’m screwed. James Beard said so.

Being a foodie and watching the food network and Top Chef, I feel like I should know who James Beard is. I’m sure you’ve heard of this chef or that chef getting nominated or winning the James Beard award right? Regardless, it’s a pretty big deal (apparently) to win his self-titled award. At least that’s the impression I get. So if James Beard says that you can’t do souffle with fear you can imagine that added to my apprehension.

Don’t ask me why but I had the distinct feeling that souffles were complicated, temperamental, tedious.. well… you get the picture. Maybe that’s why I put it off until Thursday. My apologies to this week’s hostess with the mostess, Susan of Doughmesstic (you can find the complete recipe on her blog) for procrastinating this week. A souffle might not be a daunting task to a master baker like herself but me… little ol me… was scurred. I wonder if any other Tuesday with Dorie bakers shared my fear.

Anyone… Bueller? Bueller?


Chocolate Souffle
Recipe from Baking: From My Home To Yours, Dorie Greenspan


I used 1/2 bittersweet and 1/2 semi-sweet chocolate. The melted chocolate+sugar doesn’t look to appetizing right now but just wait and see…


Don’t ask me why but I love the picture (R) where I caught it mid-mix and you can see the beautiful bubbles. Point and shoot baby!


Folding egg whites always makes me worry. I’m not a good egg white folder. I tend to doubt myself mid-folding and probably fold more than I should. <~ Yes, I am a neurotic baker.


Aren’t my mini 2oz souffle cups so cute? I am in love with them. I halved the recipe and got 8-2oz souffles. What the heck am I gonna do with 8?? I guess I have no choice but to eat them. There are starving children in China!


IT’S ALIVE! *muhahaha* But dang they deflate fast. I was all ready to pour some caramel sauce on top for an uber fabulous picture but I swear I turned my back for <1minute and it was a flat cake. When Dorie says "serve immediately" she wasn't joking!

ENJOY!

Husband rating: A/A+
At first he saw it and said “That’s it? Where’s the frosting, the sauce, the bells and whistles?” but after one bite he was sold. Last count he ate 3 of the mini souffles. HA HA

Wifey rating: A+
Sinful. I wasn’t sure I’d be a souffle person but I’m definitely a souffle person. Only takes one bite and you’ll never go back.

13 Responses to “T(hursdays)WD #84: It's pronounced soo-flay”

  1. 1

    Margaret — September 9, 2009 @ 7:52 pm

    Great post. . Hubby feels should be at least 3 inches of frosting on ANY cake. But he liked these too.

    Beautiful soo-flays

  2. 2

    The TriniGourmet — September 9, 2009 @ 10:29 pm

    love your soo-flays as well :) wanted to give them a try but didnt have the right dishes :(

  3. 3

    Clivia — September 10, 2009 @ 4:29 am

    It’s hard to believe that something can be this good without frosting, but it’s true. Glad you all enjoyed!

  4. 4

    Beth — September 10, 2009 @ 4:58 am

    It’s like pie crust…it can smell your fear!

    Yours look fabulous :-)

  5. 5

    Tracey — September 10, 2009 @ 6:14 am

    Your souffles look perfect! You aren’t alone – I was a bit intimidated too but it really is so easy!! Mine deflated quickly too but oh well, still really tasty :)

  6. 6

    Dolce — September 10, 2009 @ 6:37 am

    Yes, souffle is definitely alive ;)
    Good thing about a souffle is you HAVE to eat it. Otherwise it deflates and does not look this great. So that’s a very good excuse, right?

  7. 7

    stephchows — September 10, 2009 @ 7:04 am

    they look awesome!!! man 1 minute to deflate… that aint cool haha

  8. 8

    uclala — September 10, 2009 @ 7:37 am

    I love your mini-chocolate souffles! Soo soo cute! And that’s an awesome rise. I have the same strainer – I use it to sift everything!

  9. 9

    Katrina — September 10, 2009 @ 8:58 am

    Better late than never. You and me. For some reason I was only following your cuppycake blog and darn, I’ve missed a bunch here. I’m here now, and since mine is all gone, I’d like a soo-flay please! ;)
    Definitely was intimiated and leery and then glad I made it and liked it, too!

  10. 10

    Joelen — September 10, 2009 @ 3:32 pm

    Gorgeous job (as usual!) and I’ll have to try making individual souffles soon. I really liked the recipe and it was so easy!

  11. 11

    Nancy/n.o.e — September 11, 2009 @ 10:53 am

    So this week you learned that you are a souffle person AND a souffle-making person! No fears – the sky’s the limit! Time to try a savory souffle now (they’re sooo good, yum, cheese)

  12. 12

    Wendy — September 15, 2009 @ 12:10 pm

    I’m glad it was a hit! I need to go back and make it.

  13. 13

    Di — September 23, 2009 @ 3:52 pm

    I really need to make these. And caramel sauce sounds fabulous. Nice job!

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