Low Calorie Eggs Benedict Food

CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT

Steps:

• Make the hollandaise sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until no longer foamy (but not browned), 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the clear butter to a liquid measuring cup, leaving the milk solids on the bottom of the pan; discard the solids.
• Heat 1 inch of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not simmering. Combine the egg yolks, 1 tablespoon water and 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a medium stainless-steel bowl. Set the bowl on the saucepan (do not let the bowl touch the water). Cook, whisking constantly, until the egg mixture is pale yellow and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Check periodically to make sure the water isn't boiling or the egg yolks might overcook.
• Remove the bowl from the saucepan; slowly pour in the melted butter, a drop at a time at first, whisking constantly until thick. Whisk in the remaining 2 teaspoons lemon juice, the cayenne and ¼ teaspoon salt. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in some warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to loosen. Return the bowl to the saucepan of water with the heat turned off to keep warm; whisk occasionally.
• Make the Eggs Benedict: Fill a large wide pot with 3 inches of water. Heat over medium-high heat until steaming with small bubbles; reduce the heat as needed to maintain a bare simmer. Stir in the vinegar. Crack 4 eggs into individual small bowls or ramekins. Carefully tip the eggs into the water, spacing them as far apart as possible. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 3 to 3½ minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with a kitchen towel. Gently blot the eggs dry and trim off any wispy pieces. Repeat with the remaining 4 eggs.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook until lightly browned and warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Meanwhile, toast the English muffins and spread with butter.
• Top each English muffin half with a slice of Canadian bacon and a poached egg. Thin the hollandaise sauce with more warm water, if necessary, and season with salt. Spoon over the poached eggs and sprinkle with chopped chives.

GORDON'S EGGS BENEDICT

Steps:

• Bring a deep saucepan of water to the boil (at least 2 litres) and add 3 tbsp white wine vinegar. Break the eggs into four separate coffee cups or ramekins. Split the muffins, toast them and warm some plates.
• Swirl the vinegared water briskly to form a vortex and slide in an egg. It will curl round and set to a neat round shape. Cook for 2-3 mins, then remove with a slotted spoon.
• Repeat with the other eggs, one at a time, re-swirling the water as you slide in the eggs. Spread some sauce on each muffin, scrunch a slice of ham on top, then top with an egg. Spoon over the remaining hollandaise and serve at once.

EGGS BENEDICT BREAKFAST SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large wide pot with about 3 inches of water and a hefty splash of vinegar. Bring to a low simmer.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the onions, bacon, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion and the bacon are browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Put the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and the 1 tablespoon vinegar, the lemon zest and juice, yogurt, 1 tablespoon water and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a jar or other container with a lid. Secure the lid and shake well to combine. (The dressing can be made a day ahead; shake well before serving.)
• Toss the greens, tomatoes, onion-bacon mixture and dressing in a large bowl. Add salt to taste. Divide among 4 salad bowls.
• Toast the English muffins and cut each in half.
• Crack 1 egg into a small bowl. Swirl the simmering water, then gently slide the egg into it. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and place 1 on top of each salad. Garnish each salad with 2 English muffin pieces and a few grinds of pepper.