Spiced-Pumpkin Soufflés with Bourbon and Molasses Sauce

Ingredients

• 0.8 cup pumpkin pure canned (from a 15-oz can, not pie filling)
• 8 servings garnish: confectioners sugar 
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 
• 10 large egg whites 
• 0.8 cup granulated sugar divided for coating ramekins
• 0.1 teaspoon ground allspice 
• 0.3 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1 pinch ground cloves 
• 0.3 teaspoon nutmeg grated
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 0.5 cup milk whole

Equipment

• bowl
• sauce pan
• oven
• whisk
• ramekin
• baking pan
• hand mixer

Directions

1. Whisk together milk, cornstarch, spices, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking, then simmer, whisking, 2 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in pumpkin.
3. Transfer to a large bowl and cool to room temperature.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in lower third. Butter ramekins and coat with granulated sugar, knocking out excess, then put in a large shallow baking pan.
5. Beat egg whites with salt in another large bowl using an electric mixer until they hold soft peaks.
6. Add remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar a little at a time, beating, then beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks, 1 to 2 minutes more.
7. Fold one third of whites into cooled pumpkin mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly. Divide mixture among ramekins, mounding it.
8. Bake soufflés until puffed and golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve immediately.
9. •Pumpkin mixture (without egg whites) can be made 1 day ahead and chilled. •Soufflés can be assembled 1 hour before baking and kept in freezer.•
10. Baked soufflés can be repuffed if necessary in a 400°F oven 10 to 12 minutes (serve quickly, as they will deflate a little faster the second time around).