Classic Hollandaise Sauce for Eggs Benedict 🍳

Hollandaise sauce is a rich, buttery, and tangy sauce that is essential for making the perfect Eggs Benedict. Here's a simple recipe to make this classic sauce at home:

Ingredients:

- 3 large egg yolks

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and warm

- Pinch of cayenne pepper

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare a Double Boiler:

   - Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Make sure the bottom of your heatproof bowl does not touch the water.

2. Whisk Egg Yolks and Lemon Juice:

   - In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice until the mixture is thickened and has doubled in volume.

3. Cook the Egg Yolk Mixture:

   - Place the bowl over the saucepan of simmering water. Continue to whisk rapidly, making sure the eggs do not overheat and scramble.

4. Add Melted Butter:

   - Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking constantly. Add the butter in a steady stream, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This will help create a smooth and creamy sauce.

5. Season the Sauce:

   - Once all the butter is incorporated and the sauce has thickened, remove the bowl from the heat. Whisk in a pinch of cayenne pepper and salt to taste.

6. Keep Warm:

   - Keep the hollandaise sauce warm until ready to serve. You can place the bowl over a pot of warm water or a low-heat setting on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

Tips for Perfect Hollandaise Sauce:

1. Control the Heat:

   - Be careful not to overheat the egg yolk mixture, as it can cause the eggs to scramble. The simmering water should not be boiling.

2. Whisk Continuously:

   - Whisking constantly while adding the butter ensures a smooth and stable emulsion.

3. Use Fresh Ingredients:

   - Fresh egg yolks and high-quality butter will result in the best flavor and texture.

4. Adjust Consistency:

   - If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a few drops of warm water or lemon juice.

5. Serve Immediately:

   - Hollandaise sauce is best served fresh. If it starts to cool and thicken too much, you can gently reheat it over a pot of warm water, whisking constantly.

Enjoy your perfect Hollandaise sauce with Eggs Benedict or any other dish that calls for this luxurious sauce! 🍳