Did you know that how you butter a ramekin can make or break the perfect soufflé? In a recent interview, Executive Pastry Chef Ashley Cardona offers an inside look into the meticulous process behind preparing this classic dessert at Circa 1886. Chef Cardona explains that every detail matters, starting with how the ramekin is prepared. Instead of simply wiping butter inside, her team uses a high-quality pastry brush to apply butter with upward strokes. This technique is crucial because the direction of the butter encourages the soufflé to rise straight up, resulting in a beautifully even and tall soufflé. After buttering, a dusting of sugar is added, creating a light, delicate crust. These small but essential steps ensure that each soufflé rises perfectly and has the ideal texture, showcasing the skill and care that go into every dessert prepared.
As one of the few restaurants in the area that includes soufflés on the menu, Circa 1886 is proud of its commitment to this timeless dessert. Chef Cardona emphasizes that achieving consistency in soufflés requires the entire team to follow the same meticulous process every night. “Consistency is key,” she says. “We work hard to ensure that each soufflé is as perfect as the last, so our guests can enjoy the same exceptional quality every time.”
And just in time for fall, Chef Cardona is thrilled to introduce a new seasonal soufflé to the menu—a delightful apple cobbler soufflé. This upcoming dessert is a creative twist on a classic Southern favorite, featuring a warm cinnamon soufflé paired with caramel apple ice cream and a luscious vanilla anglaise. The combination of flavors and textures is designed to evoke the comforting essence of a traditional apple cobbler but with the refined elegance of a perfectly executed soufflé. Guests can look forward to this unique dessert as a taste of fall and a testament to Chef Cardona’s innovative approach to classic Southern desserts beginning September 9th. In addition to the new soufflé, a completely refreshed dessert menu will debut, offering even more delicious options for every palate!
