Egg Baskets Benedict Recipes

THE BEST EGGS BENEDICT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• Fill a large saucepan with 2 quarts water. Add the vinegar and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
• Meanwhile, toast the English muffins until golden brown. Spread with butter and place on one side of a baking sheet. Keep warm in the oven.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook until heated through, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer the bacon to the other side of the baking sheet to keep warm.
• Melt the remaining butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the yolks, lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and the cayenne to a blender. Blend for 1 minute. With the blender running, pour the melted butter very slowly through the open hole of the blender lid until smooth, thick and emulsified. Transfer the sauce back to the saucepan and place in the oven to keep warm.
• Crack the whole eggs into small cups or glasses. If your simmering water has reduced too much, add a bit more water and bring back to a steady simmer. When the water is at a steady simmer, slip the eggs into the water in one quick motion, arranging them clockwise in the pan so you know which will be ready first.. Poach the eggs until the whites are firm but the yolks are still runny, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
• Top each muffin half with a slice of Canadian bacon and a poached egg. Pour hollandaise sauce over each muffin. (If the sauce has thickened too much, whisk it with a tablespoon of water.) Sprinkle each serving with a little cayenne and 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.