Eggs Benedict

I love to use homemade english muffins with this recipe. So much better that way. If you have someone in your family like I do that doesn't like poached eggs, make a fried egg for them, or even scrambled eggs. Make it however you and your family would like it.

EGGS BENEDICT:

(makes 8 / 4 servings)

Ingredients:

*4 egg yolks

*1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

*1/2 cup butter, melted

*1/8 teaspoon salt (or less)

*dash of cayenne pepper (or to your taste)

*8 eggs

*1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

*8 slices Canadian bacon

*4 English muffins, split (I make my own)

*2 tablespoons butter, softened

*fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Directions:

~In a steel bowl bowl, quickly whisk egg yolks and lemon juice together, until the mixture is thickened & doubled in volume.

~Place the bowl over simmering water, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl (or use a double boiler).

~Continue whisking quickly (don't let the eggs get to hot or they will scramble).

~Slowly drizzle the melted butter as you continue to whisk, until the sauce is thickened and doubled in volume.

~Remove from heat and whisk in salt & cayenne pepper.

~Cover and keep in a warm area until ready to use (if the sauce gets to thick, whisk in a couple drops of warm water).

~Fill a large saucepan with water.

~Bring water to a soft simmer.

~Add vinegar.

~Gently break eggs into simmering water.

~Cook for 3 minutes each (yolks should be soft in center).

~I like to gently flip my eggs to cook on the top for about 30 seconds, but it's not necessary to do.

~Carefully remove eggs from water with a slotted spoon (to remove any excess water), and place on a warm plate.

~While the eggs are poaching, brown the bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.

~Toast the english muffin under the broiler.

~Remove english muffins from oven and spread with butter.

~Top each one with the canadian bacon

~Place a poached egg over canadian bacon.

~Put two muffins on each plate.

~Drizzle hollandaise sauce over each each muffin.

~Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve.

Variation:

`substitute Canadian bacon for ham.