Gusto's Appetizers

Mini Gusto Ham, Cheese and Mushroom Souffles

Serves 6

6 tablespoons butter
1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
6 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup Gusto ham, small dice
6 egg yolks
6 egg whites
Fresh ground black pepper
Kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Butter 6 ramekins
3. Saute the mushrooms in the rest of the butter
4. Reserve the mushroom juice by removing the mushrooms
from the saute pan and setting them aside
5. Whisk the flour into the mushroom juice
6. Then whisk in the milk
7. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens
8. Remove from the heat then add the cheese, stir until melted
9. Add back in the sauteed mushrooms and the Gusto ham, set aside
10. In a separate bowl, combine the egg whites and the cream of tartar beat to stiff peaks
11. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks for a few minutes
12. Pour the cheese mixture over the egg yolks and blend well
13. Gently FOLD in the egg whites
14. Pour the mixture into the 6 buttered ramekins
15. Bake at 350 F for 45-50 minutes

Serve with a simple mixed green salad dressed with olive oil, fresh squeezed lime juice, salt and pepper