It is very hard to think of anything but the coronavirus lately. As all of you, I am trying to stay safe and sane. All of our schedules have been altered, and staying home will be difficult for many. The upside is that there are many things you can do during this time.  I’ve compiled a list of some things I plan on doing, and it seems right to share the list with all of you.

Do the clean up you have been procrastinating. Those empty rooms stuffed with things you meant to look at?  Now’s a great time to actually do that. You’ll feel like you’ve really gotten something done!

Cook, cook, and cook. Your family will love that you are doing something for them, and you can freeze leftovers for another day, or simply make extra to bring to a neighbor in need..

Start a journal. Consider adding a line or two each day to write a few small things you’re grateful for. It will help you make sense of this situation, and remembering what you have is a good way to stay sane.

Exercise. This is very therapeutic and will help you feel better.  Try looking up some online classes for meditation, yoga, or calisthenics.  Many studios are offering online classes for free, or on a pay-what-you-can basis– consider offering a few dollars if you have a little to give.

Start reading that book you have been putting off reading. Diving into another world can help take your mind off the stress happening here.

Organize your Tupperware. Put them in a place where you can find the bottoms and the tops, and if you can’t find one part or another, recycle the extras.

Watch those movies you haven’t had time for before. There are so many good movies out there, in tons of different genres– find a top 100 list and start watching!

Organize your spices. Place them alphabetically, or put them in rows of which you most use them. Throw the ones out that have been there for over a year.

Finally, order take out.  You all know that I love to cook, and I love it when you all cook, but now is as good a time as any to support your local restaurant.  They might be closed or closing soon, and can use the support. Get some takeout, and open up that bottle of wine you have been saving for a special occasion. That time is now.

Or, you can make this cheese soufflé for your family. It is a beautiful gesture that shows you love and care about them. This soufflé is so airy and light, it is pure cheesy deliciousness in every bite. The white pepper and nutmeg add the savory. The paprika and cayenne pepper gives it just a pinch of heat, but not too much. The egg whites and cream of tartar deliver a delightful fluffy texture that is pure joy in every bite.

This recipe is courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen and will serve 4 to 6 people who will appreciate this warm, savory treat.

Ingredients for Cheese Soufflé:

1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup (1 1/4 ounces) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
⅛ teaspoon white pepper
Pinch ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 1/3 cups whole milk
6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
6 large eggs, separated
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray 8-inch round (2-quart) soufflé dish with vegetable oil spray, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan.

I didn’t have an 8-inch round soufflé dish so I used a couple of smaller ramekin instead.

Combine flour, paprika, salt, cayenne, white pepper, and nutmeg in bowl.

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat.

Stir in flour mixture and cook for 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in milk and bring to simmer.

Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and smooth, about 1 minute.

Remove pan from heat and whisk in Gruyère and 5 tablespoons Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Let cool for 10 minutes, then whisk in egg yolks and 1 1/2 teaspoons parsley.

Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip egg whites and cream of tartar on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute.

Increase speed to medium-high and whip until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add cheese mixture and continue to whip until fully combined, about 15 seconds.

Pour mixture into prepared dish and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan.

Bake until risen above rim, top is deep golden brown, and interior registers 170 degrees, 30 to 35 minutes.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon parsley and serve immediately.

Boy, these look beautiful when they first come out of the oven, but, they flattened out fast! (See top photo.)

No worries, they still tasted amazing.

It’s that simple!