Ardsallagh Goat Cheese and Thyme Leaf Soufflé

We have several farmhouse goat-cheesemakers in Ireland. We use Ardsallagh goat cheese, St. Tola from Inagh in County Clare is also heaven, as is Gortnamona from Cooleeney farm in County Tipperary and Corleggy from County Cavan.

We bake this soufflé until golden and puffy in a shallow oval dish instead of the traditional soufflé bowl. It makes a perfect lunch or supper dish. Little individual bowls also make wonderful appetizers. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.

• 5 tablespoons butter, plus extra for greasing 

• 1 cup heavy cream 

• 1 cup milk 

• A few slices of carrot 

• 1 small onion, quartered 

• 4-5 black peppercorns 

• A sprig of thyme, a few flat-leaf parsley stalks, and a little scrap of bay leaf 

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 

• 5 large organic eggs, separated 

• 4 oz goat cheese (we use Ardsallagh), crumbled 

• 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese, finely grated 

• 1/2 cup mature Coolea or Parmesan cheese, finely grated 

• Generous pinch of salt, cayenne, freshly ground black pepper, and nutmeg 

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 

To serve:

• Lots of thyme flowers, if available 

• Green salad

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Brush the bottom and sides of a 12in shallow oval dish (not a soufflé dish) or six individual wide, rimmed soup bowls with melted butter.

Put the cream and milk into a saucepan, add the carrot, onion, peppercorns, and fresh herbs. Bring slowly to a boil, and then set aside to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain, discarding the flavorings (we rinse them off and throw them into the stockpot if there is one on the go).

Melt the butter, add the flour, and cook for a minute or two. Whisk in the strained cream and milk, bring to a boil and whisk until the sauce thickens. Cool slightly. Add the egg yolks, goat cheese, Gruyére, and most of the Coolea or Parmesan (reserving some for the topping). Season with salt, cayenne, freshly ground pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and correct the seasoning.

Whisk the egg whites stiffly and fold them gently into the mixture to make a loose consistency. Spoon into the prepared dish, scatter the thyme leaves over the top, and sprinkle with the reserved Coolea or Parmesan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes (9-11 minutes for the individual souffleés), or until the sides and top are nicely puffed up and golden -- the center should still be creamy. Garnish with thyme flowers. Serve immediately with a good green salad.