Versatile Hollandaise Sauce Food

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

Steps:

• Place egg yolks in a tall narrow container that the blender stick fits in all the way to the base.
• Add water, lemon juice, cayanne pepper and salt. Blitz briefly to combine.
• Melt butter in a heatproof jug until hot (be very careful to ensure it doesn't explode if using microwave!). If you use a stove, pour into a jug.
• Let butter stand for just 15 seconds or so until the milky whites settles at the bottom of the jug. (Note 2)
• With the blender stick going on high, slowly pour the butter in a thin stream into the eggs over around 45 seconds. Leave behind most of the milky whites in the butter - about 1 1/2 tbsp. (Note 2) Once all the butter is in, the sauce should be thick, creamy, smooth and pale yellow.
• Now blitz for a further 10 seconds, moving the stick up and down.
• Thickness: If too thick, mix in warm tap water 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Salt adjustment: Add a touch of extra salt if using for something non salty like asparagus, leave salt as is if pairing with salty foods like Eggs Benedict, steak, fish.
• Lemon adjustment: Make it slightly more tangy that you want if using for something like Eggs Benedict, steak or salmon (because it's diluted when you eat it, and also balances the rich food). But make it perfectly lemony to your taste if using for something like Asparagus.
• Using: Use immediately, or keep warm until required - if covered and wrapped in a tea towel, it will stay warm for 15 minutes. Use warm or at room temperature. Use warm tap water for loosening. See note for storing and reheating.

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

Steps:

• Put the butter inside a heatproof bowl or glass measuring cup and set it in a basin of simmering water. Let it heat until the butter is melted.
• Carefully spoon off the white residue on top of the clear yellow liquid in the center. Carefully pour off and reserve the yellow liquid. Discard the milky bottom portion.
• Combine the egg yolks and water, beating rapidly with a wire whisk. Place the saucepan in a larger basin of simmering water, beating constantly. Gradually add the clear yellow liquid, beating constantly while heating the mixture in the simmering water. Do not overheat. Beat and heat until the sauce has the consistency of a thin mayonnaise.
• Add the salt, cayenne pepper and lemon juice and blend thoroughly.

CLASSIC HOLLANDAISE

Steps:

• Add the egg yolks, lemon juice, 3/4 teaspoon salt and cayenne pepper to a medium heatproof bowl and whisk to combine.
• Set the bowl over a medium saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water). Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking constantly and rapidly until the mixture is pale and has thickened, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula if needed. If the bowl feels hot to the touch, remove it from the heat and continue whisking until cooler. If the sauce starts to get lumpy, grainy or begins to separate, remove from the heat and whisk in a few drops of warm water. Return to the heat and continue whisking until all the butter has been added.
• Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning with lemon juice and salt to taste. Serve immediately or cover and hold in a warm place for up to 2 hours, whisking occasionally. The sauce should not be reheated.