Potato Souffles With Chive Creme Fraiche

The potato is my favorite vegetable and I am always looking for new ways to prepare it. I recently found this recipe and it is delicious. Potatoes are the star here, showcased simply with the tang of horseradish and present with a flourish. For an appetizer course, the souffles can be made in smaller ramekins. If you decide that you just can't live with them as a vegetarian entree, try adding crispy bacon or prosciutto to the batter along with the egg yolks. You could also add some grated cheddar if you wish.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 5  yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1  cup half-and-half cream
• 3  cloves garlic, chopped
• 1  teaspoon  prepared horseradish
•  salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 4  large  egg yolks
• 6  large  egg whites

• CHIVE CREME FRAICHE

• 1 1⁄4 cups creme fraiche
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh chives
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375*F.
2. Using 1 TBS of the butter, butter six 8-ounce ramekins; set aside.
3. To prepare the souffles, in a large saucepan, add enough cold salted water to cover the potatoes, bring to boil over high heat, lower the heat to medium and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Drain well.
5. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake to dry them, about 5 minutes.
6. Transfer to a potato ricer and rice them into a large bowl.
7. (alternatively mash them really well until smooth).
8. Add the cream, garlic, remaining 1 TBS butter and the horseradish.
9. Mix well.
10. Season to taste.
11. Add the egg yolks and mix well.
12. In a clean bowl whip the egg whites until they hold soft peaks.
13. Gently fold the egg whites into the potato mixture.
14. Divide the potato mixture among the prepared ramekins on a sheet pan.
15. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the souffles have risen and are gold brown.
16. Meanwhile to prepare the chive creme fraiche, mix together the crem fraiche and chives in a small bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
17. To serve, place the souffles on individual plates and serve immediately.
18. At the table, use a butter knife to poke a hole in the center of each souffle, then drizzle in some of the chive creme fraiche.