Chocolate Soufflés
DIETITIAN’S TIP:
Although these soufflés are made with unsweetened cocoa instead of the usual rich chocolate, their flavor is just as intense. If you can’t find fresh raspberries, sliced fresh strawberries will do nicely. Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
6 tablespoons hot water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 tablespoons all-purpose (plain) flour
1 tablespoon ground hazelnuts (filberts) or
almonds
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup 1 percent low-fat milk
4 egg whites
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
1 cup raspberries
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly coat six 1-cup individual souffle dishes or ramekins with cooking spray or coat a 6-cup souffle dish with the spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the cocoa and hot water, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
- In a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the canola oil and stir to combine. Add the flour, ground hazelnuts and cinnamon and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in the brown sugar, honey and salt. Gradually add the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir into the cocoa mixture. Let cool slightly.
- In a large, thoroughly cleaned bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the granulated sugar 1 tablespoon at a time and beat until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the cocoa mixture to lighten it. Then fold the remaining egg whites into the cocoa mixture, mixing gently only until no white streaks remain.
- Gently scoop the cocoa egg white mixture into the prepared dishes (or dish). Bake until the soufflé rises above the rim and is set in the center, 15 to 20 minutes for individual soufflés or 40 to 45 minutes for the large soufflé. Cool the soufflés on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes. Using a fine-mesh sieve, dust the top with the confectioners’ sugar. Garnish with raspberries and serve immediately.
Balsamic Roast Chicken
DIETITIAN’S TIP:
Balsamic vinegar has a dark color and rich flavor. Combined with a hint of brown sugar, this vinegar makes a sauce that’s much healthier than traditional high-fat gravy. Serves 8
INGREDIENTS
1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon
dried rosemary
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- In a small bowl, mince together the rosemary and garlic. Loosen the chicken skin from the flesh, and rub the flesh with olive oil and then the herb mixture. Sprinkle with black pepper. Put 2 rosemary sprigs into the cavity of the chicken. Truss the chicken.
- Place the chicken into a roasting pan and roast for 20 to 25 minutes per pound, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Whole chicken should cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165 F. Baste frequently with pan juices. When browned and juices run clear, transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
- In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Heat until warmed and brown sugar dissolves, but don’t boil. Carve the chicken and remove the skin. Top the pieces with the
vinegar mixture. Garnish with the remaining rosemary sprigs and serve immediately.
