Easy Ham and Cheese Souffle

This makes a light and tasty supper dish . It is delicious served with a garden fresh salad and crusty French bread.

12 slices of white bread
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 eggs, separated
1 1/2 tablespoons plain flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 ounces cooked ham, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup half and half cream

Preheat oven to 350*

Spray a shallow baking dish with a vegetable spray. Put half of the bread cubes in this dish and sprinkle in a 1/2 cup of the milk.

In a separate bowl, soak the remaining bread cubes and other 1/2 cup milk.

In a large bowl, cream the butter with a wooden spoon and mix in the egg yolks, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in the flour then add the cheese, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper and the soaked bread cubes from your bowl. Blend well. Stir in the ham and half and half cream.

In a clean, grease free, medium bowl, place your room temperature egg whites. Beat egg whites with a wire whisk until they are stiff. Lightly fold them into the cheese mixture. Pour this into the baking dish with the soaked bread cubes.

Bake in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

Serves 4