Asparagus and Gruyere Souffle

Asparagus and Gruyere Souffle

1/2 C dry breadcrumbs
3/4 lb. fresh asparagus
1/3 C flour
1/2 t salt
1/8 t ground nutmeg
1 t dry mustard
1/8 t freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 C lowfat milk
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1/2 C shreddend Gruyere
6 large egg whites
Dash of cream of tartar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Coat a 2 qt. souffle dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle bread crumbs over bottom and sides of dish.

Cook asparagus in boiling water (or steam) 4 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water. Cut a 1-inch tip from each asparagus spear.

Place the flour, salt, nutmeg, dry mustart, salt and pepper and black pepper in a medium saucepan. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute or until thick.

Gradually stir about one-fourth of hot milk mixture into egg yolk, stirring constantly with a whisk, and add to remaining hot milk mixture, stirring constantly. Cook 30 seconds, and remove from heat. Stir in asparagus tips and chopped asparagus with the cheese. Cool slightly.

Place egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir one-fourth of egg white mixture into asparagus mixture; gently fold in remaining egg white mixture. Spoon into prepared soufflé dish. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until puffed, golden, and set. Serve immediately.