Not knocking the star of the show here, but, I went to bed last night dreaming of soufflés! (photo courtesy Rambling Tart)
Ok so, I just came in from shoveling snow. Really? Ok, I’m not going to go on about the weather today – I’m being festive – enjoying my last few quiet moments of cooking and baking alone before everyone comes home.
So, you say – don’t make me crazy – not now! You don’t want to be tempted with even more recipe ideas? You’ve closed that book? You’ve settled on the list? I thought I had, too.
I went to bed last night dreaming of soufflés – is that odd?
I went out searching early this morning and came up with a few nice ideas. Here are just a few little items for your last minute consideration!!! Even if you’re not wanting to try them for tomorrow, you can park this list away for the next few weeks (or months) and enjoy experimenting, as I will.
Soufflés are, of course, those grandly impressive presentations you bring to the table and everyone oohs and ahhhs. They are basically an egg based concoction, and lend themselves to many an iteration, both sweet and savory. Because they are lightened with beaten egg whites, they will lend a lightened air to your table. You can actually make a relatively healthy soufflé – just minimize the sugar and other sweeteners, and maybe the cheese and emphasize your chosen flavors. The possibilities are honestly endless.
This idea is especially helpful on a day like tomorrow when, if you begin snacking early and because so many of our traditional dishes tend to be on the heavier side, you might look for something slightly less groan-inducing when you get to the wide-arrayed main course and then, dessert.
courtesy damndelicious
Here is an extra beautiful topping for a special dessert, maybe even a soufflé:
just plain fun for a topping:http://damndelicious.net/2013/12/22/sugared-cranberries/
As I was imagining or dreaming last night, first I wanted a real Sweet Potato Soufflé – a perfect way to lighten up one of my side dishes.
Here are a couple:
savory version: http://food52.com/recipes/14383-savory-pear-sweet-potato-and-maple-syrup-souffle
sweet version: http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/sweet-potato-souffle-recipe-mslo0811
Here are a couple with butternut squash:
http://paleomg.com/thanksgiving-savory-bacon-butternut-squash-souffle/
http://divaliciousrecipesinthecity.com/2012/05/09/butternut-squash-and-ginger-souffle/
One with carrot: http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/carrot-ginger-souffle.aspx
Spinach: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/spinach-and-cheddar-souffle-recipe.html
Pumpkin/Gingerbread version: http://piesandplots.net/pumpkin-gingerbread-souffle-giveaway/
Then, I wanted a Ginger-Pear Soufflé to bring a new and intriguing addition to the dessert table.
http://www.marthastewart.com/330169/pear-ginger-souffle
for adding pears: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/triple-ginger-souffle.html
Then, I stumbled upon this little gem:
http://www.offthemeathook.com/2011/04/13/two-recipes-savory-cheese-and-sour-cream-souffles-two-ways/
So, just in case you are sitting around with nothing to do today (haha), you might just want to try one of these tomorrow – or even tonight.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!