CRUSTY HAM AND CHEESE SOUFFLE

"Have a special celebration and want something different to mark the occasion? This savory souffle can be served with a fruit salad."

8 ounces finely chopped fully cooked ham(about 1 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Dash ground allspice
1 cup milk
1 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
6 egg yolks
6 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Generously butter a 1 1/2-quarter souffle dish. Attach a foil collar to dish. Measure enough foil to go around dish plus a 2-inch overlap. Fold into thirds lengthwise; place foil around dish with collar extending 2 inches above top of dish. Secure with tape, if necessary. Combine bread crumbs and rosemary; coat bottom and sides of dish with mixture; set aside.

In a large saucepan melt butter, stir in flour, mustard, pepper and allspice. Add milk; cook and stir for 6-7 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat.

Stir in cheese until melted. Beat egg yolks; stir in about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Return all to the cheese mixture in the saucepan. Stir in ham; set aside.

Using clean beaters, in a large bowl beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gradually pour ham-cheese mixture over beaten whites, folding gently to blend. Spoon mixture into the prepared souffle dish.

Bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven when not quite set; souffle should shake slightly when gently moved. Remove collar from dish; serve souffle immediately.

Servings: 4
Source: National Pork Board