Heavenly Orange Grove Oatmeal Soufflé
Indulge in the delightful experience of our Heavenly Orange Grove Oatmeal Soufflé, inspired by a cherished recipe from a now-closed bed and breakfast in Los Alamos, New Mexico. This soufflé combines the comforting essence of oatmeal with the richness of Neufchatel cheese and a touch of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg. Whipped egg whites lend a light, airy texture, making it the perfect dish for breakfast or brunch. Whether served warm with cream or enjoyed cold, this versatile soufflé promises to be a comforting treat that will transport you to sunlit orange groves with each spoonful.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1 cup (scalded)
butter
2 tablespoons (plus extra for greasing the pan)
sugar
to taste (for coating the pan)
quick-cooking oatmeal
3/4 cup (or 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats (not instant))
Neufchatel cheese
1/3 cup (softened)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
brown sugar
1/2 cup (to taste)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
mace or nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
eggs
3 (separated)
raisins or dried cranberries
1/2 cup
chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously butter a 1.5-quart soufflé dish or casserole, then dust the inside with granulated sugar to create a sweet crust.
2
In a small saucepan, scald the milk and 2 tablespoons of butter together until just below boiling. Gently whisk in the oatmeal, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add in the Neufchatel cheese, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, and mace or nutmeg. Stir vigorously until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
4
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly, then add them into the warm oatmeal mixture, stirring constantly to prevent cooking the yolks. Fold in the raisins and nuts gently.
5
In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; the whites should be firm yet still moist. Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the oatmeal mixture with a rubber spatula, being cautious not to over-mix. The goal is to maintain the lightness of the egg whites.
6
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared soufflé dish, smoothing the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the soufflé is mostly set but still has a slight wobble in the center.
7
Serve immediately, accompanied by cream or warm milk. This soufflé is also delicious when enjoyed cold.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heavenly Orange Grove Oatmeal Soufflé?
It is a light and airy breakfast dish that combines the comfort of oatmeal with the richness of Neufchatel cheese, inspired by a recipe from a Los Alamos bed and breakfast.
Where did this recipe originate?
The recipe was inspired by a dish served at a now-closed bed and breakfast located in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
What size dish should be used?
A 1.5-quart soufflé dish or casserole dish is recommended.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
Generously butter the dish and then dust the inside with granulated sugar to create a sweet crust.
Can I use old-fashioned oats?
Yes, you can use 3/4 cup of old-fashioned oats as long as they are not instant oats.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Scald 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan.
How long do the oats need to be stirred on the stove?
Stir the oatmeal constantly into the milk for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
What type of cheese is used in this soufflé?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of softened Neufchatel cheese.
When should the Neufchatel cheese be added?
Add the cheese immediately after removing the saucepan from the heat so it can melt into the warm mixture.
What spices are used for flavoring?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of either mace or nutmeg.
How much brown sugar is included?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of brown sugar, which can be adjusted to taste.
How are the eggs prepared for this recipe?
Three eggs should be separated into yolks and whites.
How are the egg yolks added?
The yolks should be lightly beaten and then stirred constantly into the warm oatmeal mixture.
How should the egg whites be beaten?
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form while ensuring they remain moist.
What is the correct way to incorporate the egg whites?
Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the oatmeal mixture using a rubber spatula to avoid over-mixing.
Why is it important not to over-mix the whites?
Avoiding over-mixing helps maintain the lightness and airy texture of the soufflé.
What dried fruits can be added?
You can add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries.
Are nuts required in this recipe?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans is optional.
How long does the soufflé bake?
Bake the dish for 35 to 40 minutes.
How can I tell if the soufflé is finished baking?
The soufflé is ready when it is mostly set but still has a slight wobble in the center.
How should the soufflé be served?
It should be served immediately with cream or warm milk, though it is also delicious cold.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for both breakfast and brunch.
What creates the sweet crust on the outside?
The dusting of granulated sugar inside the buttered dish creates the crust.
What provides the light and airy texture?
The whipped and folded egg whites are responsible for the light texture.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe consists of 12 ingredients.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a baked dish, comfort food, and a sweet breakfast item.
Is Neufchatel cheese different from cream cheese?
Neufchatel is similar to cream cheese but typically has a lower fat content; it is used here to provide richness.
Can I store and eat the leftovers?
Yes, the soufflé is noted to be delicious when enjoyed cold.