Carrot Pudding Souffle

Leftovers. Does that generate enthusiasm in your house? Rethink your reheated meal by adding one new element to the menu. It will feel as though you've started anew. And when you sink your fork into this stunning carrot-souffle with its vibrant color and fresh taste. You'll think Spring has arrived.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for ramekins
1 small shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
2 pounds medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 bay leaf
Coarse salt
1 cup heavy cream, plus more if needed for reheating souffles
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Freshly ground pepper
6 large egg yolks plus 4 large egg whites

Directions:
1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot, chopped carrots, bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender,20 to 25 minutes. (Reduce heat to medium-low after 15 minutes if needed to prevent carrots or butter from browning.)

2. Stir in cream. Bring mixture just to a simmer, and immediately remove from heat; discard bay leaf. Using an immersion blender or a food processor, puree mixture (use caution when pureeing hot liquids in a food processor). Transfer carrot puree to a small bowl; set aside.

3. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour with a wooden spoon; cook stirring constantly, 3 minutes. Whisk in milk gradually. Use a rubber spatula to scrape bottom and corners of pan.

4. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring often to prevent lumps from forming, 15 minutes. Whisk in carrot puree, and remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg, ginger, and 1 teaspoon salt; season with pepper. Transfer to a large bowl; let cool completely., about 30 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly butter eight 6-ounce ramekins; set aside.

6. Add yolks, one at a time, to carrot mixture, whisking well after each addition.

7. Using a clean whisk or an electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold into carrot mixture.

8. Ladle mixture into prepared ramekin, filling almost to the rims. Place ramekins in a roasting pan, and transfer to oven. Pour enough boiling water into pan to come about three-quarters of the way up sides of ramekins. Bake until souffles are puffed and set, and tops begin to brown, about 35 minutes. Using tongs, carefully transfer the souffles to a wire rack, and let cool 10 minutes.