Ingredients

1/3 cup butter, cubed1/3 cup all-purpose flour2 cups whole milk1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1/4 teaspoon saltDash hot pepper sauce1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese1 cup shredded cheddar cheese1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese6 large eggs1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Preparation

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, mustard, salt and pepper sauce. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in cheeses until melted. Transfer to a large bowl.

Separate eggs. Place egg whites in a medium bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored, about 4 minutes. Stir in 1/3 cup hot cheese mixture; return all to remaining cheese mixture, stirring constantly. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 325°. Place eight ungreased 8-oz. ramekins in a baking pan.

With clean beaters, beat egg whites with cream of tartar on high speed until stiff but not dry. With a rubber spatula, gently stir a fourth of the egg whites into cheese mixture. Fold in remaining whites.

Transfer to prepared ramekins. Add 1 in. of hot water to baking pan. Bake 40-45 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Serve immediately.