Hot Grand Marnier Soufflés

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier (orange-flavored liqueur)
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°; place a heavy baking sheet on middle rack.
2. Coat 6 (8-ounce) ramekins with cooking spray, and sprinkle each dish with 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, shaking and turning to coat.
3. Place egg yolks in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium-high speed 5 minutes or until thick and pale. Gradually add 1/4 cup granulated sugar; beat 2 minutes. Beat in liqueur and vanilla.
4. Place egg whites in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed 1 minute or until foamy using clean, dry beaters. Add the cream of tartar and salt; beat mixture until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently stir one-fourth of egg white mixture into liqueur mixture. Gently fold in the remaining egg white mixture; divide evenly among the prepared ramekins.
5. Place soufflé dishes on baking sheet in oven; bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until tall and golden brown (soufflés will rise 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the dish rim). Quickly dust soufflés with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
6. Note: Using a wide rubber spatula, gently fold egg whites into the batter by making a scooping motion from the bottom of the bowl to the top. This prevents the egg whites from deflating.