Italian Eggs Benedict with Pesto Hollandaise

Name: Italian Eggs Benedict with Pesto Hollandaise
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Cuisine: Italian Breakfast, Italian Brunch, Italian Recipes
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 1 tablespoon prepared pesto; 4 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons white vinegar; 4 large eggs; 8 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham; 4 fresh basil leaves; 4 slices tomato; 4 slices Italian bread (1 inch thick), toasted

My husband and I have a standing breakfast date on Saturday mornings. When we want something fancy, we make Italian-inspired eggs Benedict with pesto and prosciutto. —Jackie Dodd, Los Angeles, California

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 tablespoon prepared pesto
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons white vinegar
4 large eggs
8 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham
4 fresh basil leaves
4 slices tomato
4 slices Italian bread (1 inch thick), toasted

Directions

In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in pesto. In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over simmering water, whisk egg yolks, water and lemon juice until blended; cook until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and temperature reaches 160°, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to very low. Very slowly drizzle in warm melted butter mixture, whisking constantly.
Transfer to a small bowl. Place bowl in a larger bowl of warm water. Keep warm, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve. Place 2-3 in. of water in a large saucepan or skillet with high sides; add vinegar. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break cold eggs, one at a time, into a small bowl; holding the bowl close to the surface of the water, slip each egg into water.
Cook, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Using a slotted spoon, lift eggs out of water.
To serve, layer prosciutto, basil, tomato and eggs over toast. Top with hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately.