Saturday, October 31, 2009

Julia's Souffle

I was inspired, a few weeks ago after seeing Julie and Julia, to request The Art of French Cooking from the library. It's a popular book and I had to wait a few weeks to receive it. Now that it's here, I've been reading it like a novel, dreaming, and attempting my first souffle. (The DH has been doing a lot of Julia impersonations. He's pretty good.) As cookbooks go, this one is excellent. The recipes are thorough and come with lots of explanation. In my day job, I spend time thinking about the physical placement of words on a page, and I appreciate how the recipes are layed out.

But the real joy is that the recipe worked! (Here is a similar version of her recipe, without the wonderful introduction that includes how to beat the eggs and prepare the pan.)


The souffle puffed up nicely and stayed that way throughout serving and eating. (Thanks to Sweetcakes for loaning the pan! This pan would have held a larger recipe - that's why the souffle isn't puffed over the sides. I like it this way, though, because next time I won't need to bother with putting foil or paper around the pan.)

The DH contributed steamed kale, served with radishes, sesame oil and balsamic vinegar. It was the perfect side for the souffle. I can't wait to make this meal again!
Photos by the DH, dear hubby

11 comments:

Kas said...

We loved that movie too! I just finished reading Julia's last book, My Life In France which she wrote with her nephew Alex Prud'homme. If you haven't read it I'd recommend it. She gives all the insight on the creation of the cookbooks and an intriguing glimpse into her life. Congratulations on such a beautiful dish!

mep said...

I second the recommendation of My Life In France because it really does show how much she cared about testing all the recipes and really getting them right. It was also interesting to learn more about her life.

I'm very impressed with your souffle!

I still haven't seen the movie, but one of these days . . .

Amy said...

I would like to add that the Quinoa salad you recommended the other day was also fabulous. Very simple to make. Thanks and great pictures of the souffle.

Rosemary said...

Your souffle, and the movie, inspirational!

Steph said...

Thank you for the book recommendations! And glad the quinoa salad worked out.

Anonymous said...

Oh my, your souffle looks DELICIOUS Steph! You have now inspired me to try one myself. What size/type pan does it call for?

Ginger said...

Looks great. I like your plates. They look like pottery, are they handmade?

Steph said...

Hi, Ginger - Yes, the plates are from Hanselman's potter in NM.

parTea lady said...

Your souffle looks delicious. I have been making a cheese souffle recipe (from my favorite Aunt, Betty) for years. When she gave it to me she wrote on her recipe card "it has never failed" and she was right.

Angela McRae said...

I think you and I may be the last two women in America who didn't rush out to buy a copy of this book! (Although I'm tempted, I'll admit.) Your souffle looks awesome!

Marilyn Miller said...

Ever since I have been home I have been thinking about trying a souffle. I had a really good one in Paris with a mushroom sauce, mushrooms and chopped tomato. Yours looks very good. Yummmm!