For brunch or a quick munch after TV viewing, try this excellent, hearty dish that is easy and quick to prepare. It s a good way to use leftover ham. The sauce is quite versatile and can be used over asparagus, broccoli and fish as well.
EGGS BENEDICT (Makes 8 servings)
4 English muffins
8 poached eggs
1/4 cup butter
Paprika
8 slices smoked cooked ham, heated
Watercress
HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
3/4 cup butter
6 egg yolks
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash white pepper
2 tbsp. boiling water (if needed)
Prepare sauce first, keep warm over hot water until ready to serve: Cut butter into three equal parts. Put egg yolks and one piece of butter into top of double boiler over hot but not boiling water. Stir quickly with wooden spoon until butter melts. Repeat with remaining two pieces. Remove from heat, beat for a minute. Gradually beat in lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Replace over hot water and stir until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. If water becomes too hot, sauce may curdle. If it does, just beat boiling water in until sauce is smooth again.
Cut muffins into halves and toast. Spread with butter, add ham slices, top with poached egg and spoon hollandaise sauce over the top. Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with watercress. Allow two portions for each man.
To poach eggs easily, fill shallow pan such as a skillet with about 1 1/2 inches of water. Add salt. Bring water to a boil, lower heat until it is just simmering. Break eggs (cold from the refrigerator) into a small bowl, one at a time. Pour carefully into simmering water. Cook several at once, simmering until white has become solid and yolk is still soft. Remove from water with slotted pancake turner. To prepare French-style poached eggs use a small saucepan filled with salted water When water is simmering, stir rapidly with a spoon to make a small whirlpool. Drop egg into center of whirlpool, and simmer. Cook one at a time. This kind of poached egg looks like an oval-shaped white ball.
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Helen Feingold; photo by Midori | TV Guide 1965-02-06 Northern CA