Miniature Cheddar Souffles

Directions

1. 1
   Line the bottoms of 2 1/4 cup ramekins with rounds of wax paper, butter the wax paper, and dust the ramekins with walnuts, shaking out the excess.
2. 2
   In a small heavy saucepan melt the 1/2 stick butter over moderately low heat, stir in the flour, and cook the roux, stirring, for 3 minutes.
3. 3
   Remove the pan from the heat, add the milk, scalded, in a stream, whisking until the mixture is thick and smooth, and simmer the mixture, whisking, for 3 minutes.
4. 4
   Transfer the mixture to a bowl, let it cool for 5 minutes, and whisk in the cheddar, the salt, the mustard, the yolks, and the chives, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
5. 5
   In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the whites with a pinch of salt until they just hold stiff peaks, stir one fourth of them into the cheddar mixture, and fold in the remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
6. 6
   Spoon the mixture into the ramekins and bake the souffles in the middle of a preheated 400 degrees F. oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden.
7. 7
   Let the souffles cool (they will fall).
8. 8
   Run a sharp small knife around the edge of each ramekin, invert the souffles into the palm of the hand, and remove the rounds of wax paper.
9. 9
   These souffles may be prepared 1 day in advance.