Arnold Benedict's Long Lost Cousin

Here are our house, Eggs Benedict are at the top of the list of favorites. We also love spicy foods so when I saw this recipe for Chipotle Eggs Benedict, we just had to try it. Let me tell you - it is scrumptious! You can make it as spicy or not-so-spicy as you would like. Just add more or less of the chipotles.

Eggs Benedicto

(Chipotle Eggs Benedict w/ Blender Mock Hollandaise)

Hollandaise:

2 sticks unsalted butter

3 egg yolks

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon minced and seeded canned chipotles in adobo sauce

1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Kosher salt

Poached Eggs:

1 teaspoon vinegar

8 very fresh large eggs

2 large croissants, sliced in half

4 slices prosciutto

For the hollandaise:

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until bubbling hot. In a blender, add the egg yolks, black pepper (to taste), and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Cover the blender and blend on high speed for several seconds. Either remove center cap of the blender lid or carefully remove the lid itself with blender still running. Pour the hot butter in a thin, steady stream into whirling egg mixture. Add the chipotle and pulse to combine. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. (If your sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with a couple tablespoons of boiling hot water).

For the eggs:

In a heavy saucepan combine about 2 quarts of water and the vinegar and bring to a simmer. Break 1 egg into a small bowl or cup and slide the egg into a ladle. Lower the ladle into the water, and hold it there, for 1 minute before removing the ladle and leaving the egg to cook for 2 minutes more. Poach at a low simmer until the whites are firm and the yolks are still runny. Repeat with each remaining egg. Transfer the eggs, with a slotted spoon, to paper towels until ready to serve.

To assemble:

Arrange a croissant half, cut side up, on each of 4 plates. Put 1 piece of prosciutto on each half, then 2 poached eggs and top with hollandaise. Serve immediately.

Be silent my grumbling stomach!