Recipe of the Day

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love eggs benedict. It is by far not only one of my favorite breakfast meals, but one of my favorite meals period (Yes, I've been known to eat eggs benedict for lunch, dinner, and even as a 10 pm "snack"). Although it may not be the healthiest option out there, in my opinion, it is by far one of the tastiest. Follow this easy recipe, and garnish with spring greens or fresh fruit, to serve up your own Eggs Benedict at home. 

Ingredients:
1 tsp (5 mL) vinegar
8 eggs
4 English muffins
8 oz (250 g) thinly sliced ham (bacon or back bacon works well too)

Hollandaise Sauce:
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, melted
2 tbsp (25 mL) lemon juice
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
Pinch cayenne pepper

Preparing the Hollandaise Sauce: In heatproof bowl over saucepan of simmering water, whisk egg yolks until thick enough to coat back of spoon, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter, 2 tbsp (25 mL) at a time, until thickened; whisk in lemon juice, salt and cayenne. Keep warm over hot water.

Preparing the Poached Eggs: Pour enough boiling water into skillet to come 3 inches (8 cm) up side; return to boil. Add vinegar; reduce heat to gentle simmer. Break each egg into small dish; gently slip into simmering water. Cook until desired doneness, about 5 minutes for soft yolks and firm whites. Remove with slotted spoon and drain well, patting bottom of spoon with towel to dry egg. - This process can be a little challenging at first - a microwaveable egg poacher is another easy and convenient alternative. 

Meanwhile, cut muffins horizontally in half and toast; place 2 halves, cut side up, on each plate. Top each with ham, poached egg and 2 tbsp (25 mL) Hollandaise Sauce.

Makes 4 servings.

Variations to Try:

Tomato Basil Eggs Benedict: Replace muffins with sliced focaccia. Replace ham with broiled tomato slices. Add 2 tbsp (25 mL) finely chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 tsp/2 mL dried) to sauce.

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict: Replace muffins with sliced focaccia or croissants. Replace ham with smoked salmon. Add 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh dill to sauce.

Smoked Turkey Eggs Benedict: Replace ham with smoked turkey; sprinkle with 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped sweet red pepper.

Peameal Bacon Eggs Benedict: Replace ham with sautéed peameal bacon.