Cauliflower and Manchego Cheese Soufflé

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1/2 cauliflower head

Grated Parmesan cheese

5 tablespoons all purpose flour

Pinch of ground nutmeg

6 large egg yolks

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 1/4 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon grated Sap Sago cheese

1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons(packed) coarsely grated Manchego cheese (about 6 ounces)

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

8 large egg whites

Cut the cauliflower into florets and cook in salted simmering water until tender, 5 minutes. Drain and chop to small pieces. Set aside.

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Generously butter one 10-cup soufflé dish or six 1 1/4-cup soufflé dishes; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to coat. (If using 1 1/4-cup dishes, place all 6 on rimmed baking sheet.) Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, cayenne pepper and nutmeg. Cook without browning until mixture begins to bubble, whisking constantly, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until smooth, thick and beginning to boil, whisking constantly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix yolks, salt and pepper in small bowl. Add yolk mixture all at once to sauce and whisk quickly to blend. Fold in cauliflower, 1 1/4 cups Manchego cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (cheeses do not need to melt). Using electric mixer, beat whites in large bowl until stiff but not dry. Fold 1/4 of whites into lukewarm soufflé base to lighten. Fold in remaining whites. Transfer soufflé mixture to prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Manchego cheese.

Place soufflé in oven; reduce heat to 375°F. Bake soufflé until puffed, golden and gently set in center, about 40 minutes for large soufflé (or 25 minutes for small souffles). Using oven mitts, transfer soufflé to platter and serve immediately.