The last of the snow is starting to melt, and I'm really excited for everything that comes with the warmer season. Bright yellow daffodils, flowering trees, cheery red-breasted robins...oh, and all the brunches: Sunday brunch, baby showers, Easter brunch, Mother's Day. And whatever the occasion, eggs Benedict seems to make an appearance on every brunch menu.
This Mediterranean-style eggs Benedict couldn't be easier to whip up. The hollandaise sauce can even be made in the blender in less than 2 minutes — super easy and ridiculously flavorful. I mixed things up by adding Harry & David Merlot Laced Artichokes spread to my eggs Benedict to give it a Mediterranean flair that is a huge hit with guests.
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 18 teaspoon kosher salt
- 16 tablespoons melted butter (cooled to room temperature))
- 2 Wolferman’s Signature English Muffins (split in half))
- 4 thick slices pancetta
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 12 cup Harry & David Merlot Laced Artichokes
- Add the yolks, water, lemon juice, and salt to a blender. Blend the ingredients until smooth and then slowly stream in the butter until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. If you don't have a blender, just whisk vigorously.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving dish and set aside.
- Toast the English muffins and set aside. Keep warm.
- In a small skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the pancetta and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
- Bring about 2 inches of water to a simmer in a large pot. Add the vinegar to the water and stir. Crack each egg into a separate ramekin or coffee mug, being careful not to break the yolk.
- When the water begins to simmer (do not boil), slowly tip the egg into the water. Swirl gently for 10 seconds, just until the egg begins to set. Keep swirling until the eggs are fully set but still soft, about 4 minutes. Remove the egg to a plate using a slotted spoon.
- Arrange the English muffins on a plate or platter. Divide the artichoke spread evenly among the muffins and spread evenly to coat. Top the muffins with a slice of pancetta and then an egg. Spoon 2 tablespoons of hollandaise sauce over the egg.
- Serve immediately with extra hollandaise sauce, if desired.