A Souffle for the New Year

I like having food traditions. You know, like ham at Easter and turkey at Thanksgiving and prime rib at Christmas. Food traditions provide a marvelous sense of security and wonderful expectation. Last year I decided to start a New Year's Eve food tradition...a souffle. We tried a savory dinner-type one for the end of 2010; ham and cheese. The kids weren't crazy about it and I was a little apprehensive to try again as 2011 rang it's last bells, but I finally figured that I couldn't go wrong with chocolate. I poured over the instructions in my trusty Cook's Illustrated Cookbook, carefully stirred, whipped and folded, and was finally ready to bake.

I think the looks on their faces was worth every minute of effort. Best New Year's Eve EVER! Hello chocolate souffle food tradition!