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Eggs Benedict

American

Toast the muffins and warm the plates before assembling so the poached eggs can go straight on top. If the hollandaise tightens, whisk in a small splash of warm water.

Serving of Eggs Benedict; presentation may vary
Serving example of this dish. Ingredients and presentation may vary. Image resized for web. Photo: Constance Chen theskyandthesea · Source · CC0
Servings (recipe yield)
2 servings
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
20 min
Rest / chill / soak
Not provided
Total time
Not provided

Estimated times for this version of the recipe. Equipment, ingredient preparation and batch size can change the timing.

Times from the source where available.

Ingredients

  • 3 egg yolks (from pasteurized eggs)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to taste (optional)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 english muffins or toast, split
  • 4 slices Canadian bacon or ham
  • Butter, for spreading on muffins (optional)
  • Chives, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Blend Yolks and Lemon Juice: In a blender, blend the yolks and lemon juice to create the base for the hollandaise sauce. This can optionally be done in a double boiler on a gentle simmer with whisking instead of blending to reduce curdling.
  2. Drizzle Butter: Slowly pour in the melted butter while blending. The sauce should thicken and become creamy. If it becomes too viscous, add a little warm water or lemon juice to thin it out.
  3. Season Sauce: Season to taste with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  4. Heat Water to Simmer: Prepare a large saucepan with at least four inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the vinegar to help the egg whites set.
  5. Poach Eggs 3-4 Minutes: Gently slide the eggs into the simmering water. It helps to crack the eggs into a small bowl or ladle, bring the vessel to the surface of the water, and then drop the egg in that way. While cooking, take a spoon and stir the water into a little whirlpool; this can help displace the excess egg whites, giving the poached eggs a cleaner, firmer appearance. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Remove Eggs: Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  7. Toast Muffins: Halve the muffins and toast them. Optionally butter both halves. You could substitute the muffins with any kind of spongey bread.
  8. Cook Bacon: In a skillet on medium heat, cook the Canadian bacon or ham until slightly browned.
  9. Assemble: Place a slice of Canadian bacon on each toasted muffin half, top with a poached egg and a generous amount of hollandaise sauce. Garnish with cut chives and more cayenne pepper if desired.

Source: Public Domain Recipes · Enzo Stever · Recipe source · Public-domain source license

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