Asparagus Eggs Benedict Recipes

CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT

Steps:

• Make the hollandaise sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until no longer foamy (but not browned), 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the clear butter to a liquid measuring cup, leaving the milk solids on the bottom of the pan; discard the solids.
• Heat 1 inch of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not simmering. Combine the egg yolks, 1 tablespoon water and 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a medium stainless-steel bowl. Set the bowl on the saucepan (do not let the bowl touch the water). Cook, whisking constantly, until the egg mixture is pale yellow and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Check periodically to make sure the water isn't boiling or the egg yolks might overcook.
• Remove the bowl from the saucepan; slowly pour in the melted butter, a drop at a time at first, whisking constantly until thick. Whisk in the remaining 2 teaspoons lemon juice, the cayenne and ¼ teaspoon salt. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in some warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to loosen. Return the bowl to the saucepan of water with the heat turned off to keep warm; whisk occasionally.
• Make the Eggs Benedict: Fill a large wide pot with 3 inches of water. Heat over medium-high heat until steaming with small bubbles; reduce the heat as needed to maintain a bare simmer. Stir in the vinegar. Crack 4 eggs into individual small bowls or ramekins. Carefully tip the eggs into the water, spacing them as far apart as possible. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 3 to 3½ minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with a kitchen towel. Gently blot the eggs dry and trim off any wispy pieces. Repeat with the remaining 4 eggs.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook until lightly browned and warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Meanwhile, toast the English muffins and spread with butter.
• Top each English muffin half with a slice of Canadian bacon and a poached egg. Thin the hollandaise sauce with more warm water, if necessary, and season with salt. Spoon over the poached eggs and sprinkle with chopped chives.

QUICK ASPARAGUS BENEDICT

Steps:

• Place a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the oven to broil.
• Trim off about an inch from the bottom of the asparagus and peel about halfway up. Toss the asparagus with the olive oil on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and broil until slightly blistered and tender, about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the oven and set aside.
• Combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
• Fill a large straight-sided skillet with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a bare simmer over medium heat. Add the vinegar. Crack an egg into a cup and gently slip it into the water. Repeat with the remaining eggs and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, gently scoop the eggs from the water and blot dry with a paper towel.
• To serve, divide the asparagus among 4 plates and sprinkle with the chopped dill. Top each serving with a poached egg, drizzle with a quarter of the sauce and garnish with a sprig of dill.

EGGS BENEDICT WITH ASPARAGUS AND BRIE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cut off and discard the woody ends from the asparagus and boil the spears for 5 minutes, or until fork- tender but still firm. Drain, transfer to a dish, and sprinkle the lemon juice on top.
• Heat a wide 3-quart saucepan of water over medium heat and add a pinch of salt. Poach the eggs.
• Place the English muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each muffins half with 3 asparagus spears and 2 slices of Brie. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
• Top each muffins half with a poached egg and 1 tablespoon of the Hollandaise sauce and season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

EGGS BENEDICT WITH HOMEMADE HOLLANDAISE

Steps:

• For hollandaise sauce, in top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over simmering water, whisk egg yolks, water and lemon juice until blended; cook until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and temperature reaches 160°, whisking constantly. Remove from heat. Very slowly drizzle in warm melted butter, whisking constantly. Whisk in pepper. Transfer to a small bowl if necessary. Place bowl in a larger bowl of warm water. Keep warm, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve, up to 30 minutes., Place 2-3 in. of water in a large saucepan or skillet with high sides. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break 1 egg into a small bowl; holding bowl close to surface of water, slip egg into water. Repeat with 3 more eggs. , Cook, uncovered, 2-4 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Using a slotted spoon, lift eggs out of water. Repeat with remaining 4 eggs., Top each muffin half with a slice of bacon, a poached egg and 2 tablespoons sauce; sprinkle with paprika. Serve immediately.