While not a fan of making this dish, I work enough, thanks; eggs benedict is the first item I look for on a Sunday morning menu or on the buffet table at brunch. This is my confession, or maybe, it is my (eggs) bene-addiction.

I love this dish so much, I had to know where it came from

There are, of course, competing tales of origin. One involves the desperate housewife of a wealthy businessman, Mr. Le Grand Benedict, who dined at Delmonico’s in New York every Saturday. After exhausting all the menu items, she requested a combination of an English muffin, poached eggs, ham, and hollandaise with a truffle on top.

There is also the position that it is an American take on a French dish called Oeufs Benedictine consisting of a puree of refreshed salt cod and potatoes spread on triangles of fried bread. This was topped with a poached egg and the ubiquitous hollandaise.

My favorite story is that of the New York stock broker, Lemuel Benedict, who stumbled down the stairs of the Waldorf Astoria one morning looking for the elusive cure for a five star hangover. He ordered buttered toast, poached eggs, bacon and a side of hollandaise. The chef changed it up a bit and voila, one of the most popular breakfast and brunch items in the universe! Well, at least to me (which is, by definition, the universe).

Are any of these true? Does it matter? What does matter is that it is such a lovely way to enjoy a good weekend or holiday brunch.

The versatility of this yummy concoction is endless. A little spinach (Florentine) is a colorful and healthy addition to this not so healthy meal. How about lox instead of canadian bacon? Perhaps, a lightly buttered and fried baguette is a nice change. And, if you ain’t into runny, get over-easy. 

Just one thing folks, you won’t get any points if you mess with the sauce! It has to be real. Don’t pass that fake stuff by me. I can smell it a mile away.

Live well, eat well;

Heidi

 

I posted this on Mother’s Day weekend. Here is a poem I wrote to my mom when I was 17:

 

Do you remember my first day of school

I was so scared when you left my side

And then I remembered the days at the fair

And taking a pony ride

Do you remember those smiles all a glow

On every Christmas day

The bright shining eyes when I think of you

Making sunny out of gray

Do you remember making soup

Whenever we were sick

Bedtime stories creating sleepy eyes

You knew every trick

Do you remember my very first date

And my senior dance

Do you remember all those little things

Every time you get a chance

Will you remember my wedding day

I’ll be so scared when you leave my side

Then I’ll remember those days at the fair

And taking a pony ride