Having a soufflé on the menu can be every cooks nightmare! If you stick to the recipe, and remember the key’s and rules for achieving a beautifully aerated cake, than you should have no problem following this recipe.

1. Read the recipe, then read it again to make sure you are clear on the instructions and have all the ingredients. Once you start to make a soufflé it doesn’t like interruption while you find a missing ingredient.
2. Collect all the equipment you will need.
3. Measure and weigh all the ingredients before you start cooking.
4. Make sure all the equipment you are using is clean and grease free. Greasy spoons, bowls or whisk stop egg whites from rising sufficiently which can make the souffle collapse.
5. Ensure all your ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature.
6. Prepare and grease soufflé dishes, either large or individual ones, before you start making the soufflé mixture.
7. Preheat the oven, so once the soufflé is made and in the dish it can go directly to the oven.
8. It is not an “Old Wives Tale” that opening the door while a soufflé is cooking can cause it to sink. Be aware that a sudden rise or fall in temperature during cooking will have that effect. Try not to do it. It won’t be a disaster if you open and close the oven door quickly.
9. The table, side dishes and guests should be assembled and ready before the soufflé goes in the oven. Don’t start to cook unless you know you can serve it directly to the table.
10. Work quickly and calmly, and most of all have fun; there’s no greater joy than cooking for oneself, family or friends.

INGREDIENTS:

500ml          Milk

100g              Sugar

8                    Egg yolks

8                    Egg whites

150ml           Grand Marnier

3                    Zest of orange

Softened butter

Directions:

Mix the egg yolks, Grand Marnier, milk, and orange zest. In a mixer beat the egg whites to soft peaks.  Slowly add the sugar and whip into stiff peaks.  Fold the egg yolk mixture into the whites, being sure to contain the air.  Dip your finger into the softened butter and coat the the inside of the ramekins completely.  Add a tablespoon of granulated sugar inside each ramekin and twist the sugar evenly around to evenly stick throughout. This will allow the souffle to rise evenly. Fill the ramekins with the batter 1/2 cm from the top. Bake in a water bath filling 1/3 up the ramekin at 230˚C or 400˚F until risen and fully brown. Powder with icing sugar and serve immediately.

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