Gruyere Soufflé

My youngest son's favorite way to eat eggs. Actually, it's the only way he'll eat eggs. :o)

I've also made this in one big casserole dish by doubling the recipe, but it does take a lot longer to bake, about 45-60 minutes.

• 4 egg whites
• 4 Tablespoon freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 4 1/2 teaspoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 4oz shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 big handful of mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 3 teaspoons chicken broth or white wine
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes (save 2 egg yolks for later use). Coat four 8oz ramekins with cooking spray and lightly sprinkle with parmesan cheese; set aside. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour, nutmeg and cayenne pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat and stir in Gruyere cheese, mozzarella or cheddar, chicken broth (or wine) and mustard until cheeses are melted. Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of the hot cheese mixture into the egg yolks; return all to the pot, stirring constantly. In your stand up mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg white, cream of tartar and salt until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Fold in the egg whites into the cheese mixture until combined. Fill the ramekins evenly, don't worry if it goes all the way to the rim. Place ramekins on cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 20-22 minutes or until top has puffed and center is set. Serve immediately.
Recipe adapted from:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Camembert-Souffles

Shredded Brussels Sprouts w/ Pistachios, Cranberries & Parmesan

I didn't think I was a fan of Brussels sprouts, but this little dish changed my mind. It's even great cold the next day.

• 1 pound brussels sprouts
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
• 1/2 cup  dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
• salt and pepper to taste

Cut each brussels sprouts in half, then slice thinly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onions. Cook , stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and starting to brown, 5-6 minutes. Add the brussels sprouts and cook until they start to get tender but still are bright green. Remove from heat. Pour into a serving dish and add the remainder of the ingredients. Toss and serve warm. 

Recipe adapted from:

http://www.cookincanuck.com/2013/11/shredded-brussels-sprouts-recipe-pistachios-cranberries-parmesan/#_a5y_p=1041615

Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad

This is one of my favorite healthy salads. It reminds me of a Caesar salad, but without all the calories. And if you have someone that doesn't like Brussels sprouts? They'll never even notice them in this salad. It's so good. And it tastes even better the longer you let it sit.

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 Tablespoon minced shallot
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ground black pepper
• 1 large bunch of kale, center stem discarded, leaves thinly sliced
• 6 oz brussels sprouts, trimmed, finely grated or shredded
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/3 cup almonds with skins, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup shredded parmesan

In a large bowl add the chopped kale and drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Gently massage the kale for around 5 minutes. This helps the kale to become a little less bitter. Combine lemon juice, dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Measure 1/2 cup oil into a cup. Spoon 1 Tablespoon oil from cup into a small skillet; heat over medium high heat. Add almonds to skillet and stir frequently until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle almonds with salt, if desired. Slowly whisk remaining olive oil into lemon-juice mixture. Add cooled almonds and Parmesan to the kale. Add enough dressing to coat. Save the remaining dressing for later use. 

Recipe slightly adapted from:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Kale-Brussels-Sprout-Salad-368295