Alices Spoon Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. 2
   Butter a 2-quart casserole and coat it evenly with bread crumbs.
3. 3
   Shake out the excess crumbs and set aside.
4. 4
   Heat the milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until the butter is melted.
5. 5
   Whisk in the cornmeal and bring to a boil.
6. 6
   Reduce the heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. 7
   Season generously with salt and pepper.
8. 8
   Remove from the heat and cool.
9. 9
   In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff but still creamy.
10. 10
    Beat the egg yolks into the cornmeal mixture, then fold in the egg whites, a third at a time.
11. 11
    Fold in the cheese and pour into the casserole.
12. 12
    Bake for 25 minutes, until lightly golden and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.