Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is an absolute favorite of mine. As you can see above, I whipped up a decent platter of these bad boys last weekend in Napa for my family. People seem to think that this is a hard meal to prepare but I beg to differ. Here's the trick: It's all about timing and if you can get an extra hand (or two) you're set. Listen up...

Blender hollandaise is foolproof. Just add the hot butter very, very slowly so it doesn't cook the egg. Delegate poaching the eggs to one person. That way, everything will come together at once and the hollandaise doesn't get cold. Be sure to add white vinegar to the boiling water as it helps to separate the eggs. Watch the eggs closely so you do not overcook the yolk. You want it to be runny. Lastly, toast your muffins and warm your meat in the oven on a cookie sheet. If you put the oven on at 325 degrees you can keep a close eye on your muffins and they won't burn as quickly as they would if you were toasting and broiling them. You will need to allow extra time for them to toast that way...I suggest 12 or so minutes.

All the assembly happens at the very end so get your assembly line in order and crank it out. Be sure to finish each serving with some fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of paprika and some parsley. I like to serve mine with some roasted potatoes.

Eggs Benedict
Serves 6

• Water
• 1/2 cup distilled vinegar, divided
• 12 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 12 slices Canadian bacon (can sub with lobster, black forest ham, prosciutto and much more!)
  
• 6 plain English muffins
• HOLLANDAISE SAUCE, recipe follows
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• lemon for serving
  

Pour enough water into 2 large skillets to reach a depth of about 3 inches, and divide the vinegar between them. Bring both skillets to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Crack an egg into a cup and carefully slide it into the hot poaching liquid. Quickly repeat with all the eggs. Poach the eggs, turning them occasionally with a spoon, until the whites are firm, or to the desired degree of doneness, about 3 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs and transfer to a kitchen towel. Lightly dab the eggs with the towel to remove any excess water.

While the eggs are poaching, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook until heated through, about a minute on each side (or heat in oven).

To serve, toast the English muffin halves and divide them among 6 warmed plates. Top each half with a slice of Canadian bacon, and set an egg on top. Spoon the hollandaise sauce over the eggs and garnish. Serve immediately.

Blender Hollandaise

1/2 cup butter
3 egg yolks
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Dash of cayenne pepper

Place egg yolks in blender with the lemon juice, turn blender on high speed for 5 seconds to blend. Melt butter in microwave until almost boiling. Turn blender back on high speed and gradually pour in butter. It will thicken into a beautiful yellow hollandaise in 20-40 seconds. The sauce may be kept warm by placing the blender bowl in warm water. The sauce cannot be reheated.

Eggs Benedict