Benedict

By á-30

Ingredients

• 2 English muffins, halved horizontally
• 4 slices baked ham or Canadian bacon
• 4 whole eggs for poaching
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• Hollandaise Sauce (see recipe below)
• Parsley or chives, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Toast English muffin slices under the broiler or in the oven for approximately 3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from broiler, spread with 1 teaspoon butter. In a large frying pan, cook ham or Canadian bacon slices until lightly browned and place them on each English muffin half.

Use a pan that is at least 3-inches deep so there is enough water to cover the eggs and they do not stick to the bottom of the pan. NOTE: To prevent sticking, grease the pan with a little oil before filling with water. Add vinegar and salt to the poaching liquid; bring the poaching liquid to a boil and then reduce to a simmer before adding the eggs (bubbles should not break the surface). HINT: When you poach eggs, adding a little vinegar and salt to the water will helps the egg to hold its shape. Without it, the eggs will become skeins of protein tangling up in the water.

Break each egg onto a saucer or into small cups or bowls. Slip eggs carefully into simmering water by lowering the lip of each egg-cup 1/2-inch below the surface of the water. Let the eggs flow out. Immediately cover with a lid and turn off the heat. Set a timer for exactly three minutes for medium-firm yolks. Adjust the time up or down for runnier or firmer yolks. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, depending on firmness desired.