Coffee and cardamom soufflés

Total time: 45 minutes

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

9 tablespoons sugar, divided

2 tablespoons whole

cardamom

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup freshly ground

top-quality coffee beans

1/4 cup flour

5 large eggs, separated

2 ounces bittersweet chocolate

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon Kahlúa, or to taste, optional

1. Use 1 tablespoon of the butter to grease the eight soufflé dishes. Use 2 tablespoons of the sugar to dust the insides of the dishes. Set aside.

2. Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely crush the cardamom pods. Combine in a small saucepan with the milk and the coffee and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and let steep, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve, pressing to extract the liquid. You should have 1 cup.

3. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Melt the remaining butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour and cook, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Add the coffee mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth and glossy. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the sugar and set aside to cool.

4. Using the wooden spoon, beat the egg yolks into the coffee base one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next.

5. Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until they are thick and foamy, then sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the whites. Continue beating until stiff but moist peaks form. Pour the coffee mixture into the whites and, using a rubber spatula, fold until the ingredients are fully blended; do not overmix. Place the prepared dishes on a baking sheet and pour in the mixture.

6. Bake in the center of the oven until puffed and lightly browned, 14 to 16 minutes. Serve immediately.

7. While the soufflés are baking, make a sauce by combining the chocolate and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan with one-half cup water. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly; cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the cream and continue cooking until the consistency is sauce-like. Stir in the Kahlúa. Transfer to a small dish and serve hot alongside the soufflés.

Each serving: 266 calories; 7 grams protein; 23 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 18 grams fat; 10 grams saturated fat; 166 mg. cholesterol; 66 mg. sodium.