5.05.2010


Happy Mother's Day!

My mother is no longer with us, but this is still her day as far as I'm concerned. Imagine I'll always feel like that...it's a day of remembering for my sister and me. We often celebrated Mother's birthday at the same time as it was also in May, on the 16th. And you'll love this: her first name was May! And she had a sister named June. And another sister named Fannie. Well OK, so maybe that one didn't work out so well....Fannie was also born in May. Anyway, my family always had a double remembrance in May. This is one of my favorite photos of my mother. As you can see, she was a really good sport about wearing those ridiculous paper hats that come in the Christmas poppers. We liked this photo so much we even put it in her funeral program. It really pleased my dad, who had never seen it before.


In honor of Mother's Day, I thought it might be fun to give you Mother's (really old) recipe for her very favorite lunch/brunch: Eggs Benedict. The two of us went out to lunch a lot and if Eggs Benedict was on the menu, she'd order it. Her eyes would light up when the plate was put in front of her. She was fussy about it too. It had to be perfect hollandaise or her nose would crinkle just a little. As she grew older, she no longer made it at home for herself, but I still have her recipe to share with you. Nothing fancy, only plain and simple Eggs Benedict. Just the way she liked it. Perhaps you could add a little fresh fruit or a lovely fruit salsa to add another element on the plate.

The dish begins with an English Muffin. Now every layer of this dish is important and Mother introduced me years ago to
Wolferman's English muffins. Have you heard of them? They are hands down the best, unless you make them yourself and even then, maybe not. So I started my dish with those. (I loved having an excuse for a new order... their flavors are wonderful and I was completely out of them.)

And then, of course, you brown some lovely Canadian bacon to put on top of your buttered muffin (Nobody said Eggs Benedict was a health food.) Next, poach two eggs. Perfectly. You know, the way Julia Child says to do them. Put those on top of the Canadian bacon and top with Mother's Hollandaise Sauce, which is perfection itself and so light it almost floats away. I've never made hollandaise any other way. After you taste this, you won't either. Some things just don't need improving.



Mother's Hollandaise Sauce




Ingredients:


2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon cold water
Pinch of salt
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Dash of hot sauce
Dash of Worcestershire sauce


Method:


In a medium heatproof bowl set over (but not in) a large saucepan filled with 2 inches of simmering water, whisk the egg yolks with the cold water and salt until warm to the touch. Slowly drizzle in half of the melted butter in a thin stream, whisking constantly until incorporated. Continue whisking in the melted butter until the sauce is thick and emulsified. Whisk in the lemon juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire and serve warm. Serves 2.


Make ahead: The sauce can be kept warm over the hot water bath off the heat for 30 minutes. Whisk occasionally and reheat over hot water.

73 comments:

  1. I love that picture of your mom! What a great tribute post to her. You know, I have never even eaten eggs benedict!

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  2. This is my first Mother's Day without my mother. She also loved eggs benedict when we went to brunch although she never made it at home. The photo of your mother is so lovely and fun. A great memory to be sure.

    I love the addition of Worchestershire and hot sauce... must try it next time because I love those eggs benedict too! I also love the idea that it was originally a hangover cure, as legend has it. Your's would make any headache go away!!!

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  3. Nice story. My mom's been gone since I was 11 but the memory is still there of course. I just wish I could have known her as an adult. Completely different perspective than when you are a child.

    The sauce looks delicious! Thanks!

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  4. Beautiful eggs benedict! My mom's been gone since I was 16. I wish we'd had more time together. I always encourage everyone to enjoy their mom!

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  5. Hope you have a delicious eggs benedict in honour of your mom. May her memory always bring you loads of happiness.
    Happy mother's day to you daaaaaahling.
    *kisses* HH

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  6. Barbara - what a beautiful post! You can't help but smile at the photo of your Mom, what a great way to remember her.
    Love Eggs Benedict, and I have had friends asking for a Hollandaise sauce..will definitely pass yours along to them.
    Happy Mothers Day!

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  7. What a dear, sweet photo of your lovely mom. Thank you so much for sharing this memory and recipe with us Barbara.

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  8. I'm glad my mom still around. She just celebrated her 60th birthday 2 weeks ago. Barbara, I'm sure your mom will always in your heart & mind, and so is your dad! See, now here's her recipe!^_^
    Blessings, Kristy

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  9. your mom look gorgeous,
    what sweet love you have for your dear mother.
    both of you are blessed!

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  10. Barbara, thank you for sharing this wonderful snippet of family love! The recipe sounds absolutely delicious!

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  11. What a beautiful tribute to your mom. Thank you for sharing a family favourite recipe and such wonderful memories. Happy Mother's Day.

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  12. Hey Barbara,
    Your mother looks like such a nice lady. She actually looks a lot like some of the women in my family.
    I can also see why she loved this dish-looks awesome. One of my favorites is crab cake eggs benedict.
    I'm gonna go down the page to see what I missed...

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  13. What a sweet post! Love the photo of your mom. Happy mother's day to you barbara!

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  14. your mom looks like a wonderful and fun lady! How lucky for you to have had such a great lady as a mom. This is one of my favourites - I'm sending this link to my husband now - oh, I love my thermos too - it was such a cute and cheap find - 7.00 dollars! thanks for noticing.

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  15. What a wonderful tribute to your mom! Her recipe for Hollandaise Sauce looks very special!

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  16. It has been five years since my mother passed away and you're right, it always seemed like her day and still doesn't seem like mine. I guess daughters will always feel that way.

    Adorable photo of her and her Hollandaise sauce looks wonderful!

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  17. What a sweet memory! I've never had Eggs Benedict!

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  18. Mother's Day in Britain is in March. I once got confused by that after moving abroad and it took me ages to get back into favour! I've never made eggs benedict but have a weakness for muffins and hollandaise sauce. A beautiful post - I just know your Mum would have liked it.

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  19. This style breakfast is one of my favorites too!

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  20. I love the photo of your mom with a beautiful smile. Your photograph of the eggs benedict is just gorgeous! A nice post for Mother's Day!

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  21. What a lovely memory of your Mom. That is a wonderful picture of her and her eggs look spectacular. The hollandaise sounds wonderful. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  22. Barbara an adorable tribute to your mom.

    The Hollandaise sauce is so enticing!

    Thanks for coming by at my blog.

    Cheers,

    Gera

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  23. Thanks for sharing this lovely heirloom recipe, Barbara! What a beautiful way to honor your mother. Happy Mother's Day to you! :)

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  24. i always associate this dish with elegance and taste. what a lovely homage to your mom. :)

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  25. Great post. That's about the most beautiful plate of Eggs Benedict I've ever seen. My favorite breakfast.

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  26. Beautiful post Barbara! :) And your mum looked full of joy and that is how I always picture you too-joyful! And ffunnily enough, she looks a lot like my godmother in that picture too :)

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  27. Ohhh, that honest-to-God happiness. That is a beautiful photo of your mother. And so appropriate for her to be wearing a crown, too.

    These look scrumptious! You know, years ago when I worked in advertising, Wolferman's was one of our clients. And every once in a while, they'd send in a shipment of their muffins, and they were so yummy. And the fruity ones were so fragrant, I wanted to just stick them in my lingerie drawer!

    Happy Mother's Day!

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  28. Barbara, your mom was a doll. Don't you hope to be that beautiful at her age?! I know I do!
    Another great recipe to share. I love it. My daughter Ember came to visit Monday and I had to share your blog with her and the recipe for the peach dessert. We went crazy for it and she said she has the perfect co-op to go get the peaches. She lives in Boise and has better access to things than I do. I told her if she makes it before I do she must call me and tell me how it is. I can't wait to try for myself.
    Have a lovely week friend.
    hugs

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  29. that picture is absolutely precious! i don't know that breakfast gets anymore perfect then this, delicious!

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  30. Dear Barbara,
    Your mom just radiates joy in that photo, how fun and adorable she was! I love it when you share stories of your family with us and all the wonderful recipes you have made and enjoyed together over the years. I am going to print out this recipe as soon as I finish commenting and give it a try. I hope you have the loveliest of days this Sunday!
    xoxo
    PS, the recipe below looks amazing, I have her wonderful cookbook but have not made this yet.

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  31. What a very sweet and delicious tribute to your mom. I am sure she is smiling down on you :P

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  32. I love that your mom is a eggs benedict "snob". I'm rather particular about my eggs and creamy sauce, too. Loved the image of her crinkling her nose! Great recipe, and sweet dedication to your dear mother!

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  33. Happy mothers day dear Barbara!! Love your Mom picture, huggs, gloria

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  34. your mother is absouletly goregous...she looks like she was a blast to have a s a mom..great recipe..Happy Mother's day

    sweetlife

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  35. Hi Barbara,

    Your Mother is beautiful and do you know what her birthday was the same day as mine ~ May 16th.
    Lovely tribute and post to your Mother and thanks for sharing the Eggs Benedict recipe.
    Have a happy Mothers day
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  36. What a sweet tribute to your mom! Lovely picture and the Eggs Benedict looks fantastic! I wouldn't mind waking up to those on Sunday!

    Have a happy Mothers Day!

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  37. Thanks for sharing!... Good hollandaise sauce is so wonderful and this meal looks perfect

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  38. This is such a sweet post. I think that is a very fun picture of your mom, she looks very happy.

    Thanks for the hollandaise sauce recipe, this will be great for a weekend brunch.

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  39. Happy mother's day! What a cute and sweet post!

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  40. Happy Mother's Day! This is a very beautiful reminiscing post about your mother! I have enjoyed so much reading it, thanks for sharing!

    Sawadee from Bangkok,
    Kris

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  41. What a lovely tribute to your Mom! It made me smile.

    I love Wolferman's! Their blueberry muffins are to die for!

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  42. Definitely a perfect mother's day dish, and such a great tribute to your mom - looks like she was a very spirited lady! A good hollandaise sauce recipe is quite a treasure - thank you!

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  43. That is a wonderful, happy photo of your mom!
    I had poached eggs once in the UK, they tasted of vinegar, and I never had them again. Perhaps they were missing the sauce!

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  44. What a wonderful post, such a joyous way to remember your mother. She looks so happy in that photo. Happy Mother's Day to you, eggs benedict for breakfast?

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  45. Hey Barbara, I just wanted to drop in and tell you that you may have surinam cherries all around you and not know it. You are in Florida, no? I just noticed them this year all over my neighborhood here in St. Pete.
    By the way, that chutney idea is great, b/c they are kind of sweet but kind of savory. I might try that with white fish later this week!
    Hope you are well, Barbara,
    Stella

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  46. What a beautiful Mom you had and I love the sentiment in your writing. Your eggs benedict look scrumptious.

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  47. A lovely tribute to your mother

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  48. Beautiful picture of your mom!The eggs look delicious!

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  49. Great Mom pic! And OH do I love Eggs benedict!! My absolute fave! I have never made it for myself...now I just need to wrastle up a kid or husband to do it for me on mothers day....

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  50. Lovely post Barbara! and very nice and sweet picture of your mom; my mom is still alive but unfortunately handicapped, so i plan to spend a lot of time with her as soon as the summer. Love these eggs and you are right, some things should remain the same way because they are perfect~

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  51. This looks just grand! I love Eggs Benedict and I will try your Mom's recipe next time I make them!
    She looks like she was a real cutie!
    Happy Mother's Day Barbara!

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  52. I have a tear running down my cheek. My mom just turned 80 and exudes the joy with the same white hair your mom does in this photo - and the thought of a Monther's Day without her has not yet crossed my mind as she is such a bundle of energy... yet, it is bound to come, sooner than later. What a lovely post.
    Thank you for the heart, here, Barbara!
    XO
    Valerie

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  53. That's such a lovely post, Barbara. The photo of your mom is very sweet. The sauce looks delicious and that last photo is beautiful. I'm sure your mother would be beaming with pride.

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  54. I love eggs Benedict! Lovely tribute to your Mama! Happy Mothers day!!!!

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  55. wow what a wonderful post and great recipe, happy mothers day sweet Barbara

    love Rebecca

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  56. This is a wonderful looking dish Barbara, and a great tribute to your mother.Her photo is priceless!
    My mother passed about 3 1/2 years ago and I miss her so much. I don't think a day goes by that I don't wish I could go over for a visit.

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  57. love the note! I so need it on mother's day! The hollandaise sauce will make a perfect mother's day breakfast! Thanks for sharing. Always love to read about family recipes.

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  58. oh what a beautiful photograph of your mom!

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  59. A beautiful post! Your mother was very elegant! Those is a great Mother's Day recipe, mmmhhh....

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  60. Fantastic picture of your mother! I just made Eggs Benedict for the first time...I'm adding hot sauce to the hollandaise next time!

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  61. This was such a sweet tribute to your Mom! The Eggs Benedict look positively delicious! You made them look so special and elegant with your plating.

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  62. This is my third time coming back to this post before commenting, and I keep not writing because I haven't been able to think of exactly how to say how lovely I found it, as well as how beautiful I think that photograph of the muffin, egg, and hollandaise sauce is - finally I figured even if I do not say it eloquently, at least I have let you know that this recipe sounds perfect and your mother even more so! Happy Mother's Day, Barbara!

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  63. Oh, I love this post & your mom is soooooo lovely and sweet!!!

    Have a nice mother's day Barbara!

    Lots of love

    Agneta

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  64. OH.WOW. this looks spectacular! I have breakfast at as many places as I can to see who has the best hollondaise sauce. This looks like a great one! By hot sauce do you mean tabasco, or chilli sauce? We dont really have anything in Australia called "hot" sauce. Thanks for the recipe!

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  65. That looks like a lovely blonde hollandaise sauce. Your mum has a beautiful smile :)

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  66. Happy mother's day!
    I love eggs holondaise :)

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  67. What a sweet photo of your Mom!
    Happy Mothers Day to you!

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  68. I love that picture of your Mother, a truly precious photo. The sauce looks delicious.

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  69. What a fun photo of your mom. She looks like she is having such a fun time! I love her pearls as well!

    This is my favorite breakfast on earth! I've never tried making it myself but when I go to breakfast, if it's on the menu I always order it. This recipe looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories!

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  70. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person and full of fun. You must miss her terribly.

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  71. What a lovely picture! Your mother looks so elegant but so much fun!

    I love eggs benedict. It really is the best - but I've never tried adding hot sauce and worcestershire to the hollandaise. It sounds so good!

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  72. I know what I want for breakfast this morning now.. only if one of my 4 children or my hubby would get up and make it for me. Actually enjoying my solitude at the moment:)

    Your mom looks so happy, what a precious momento!

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  73. Barbara, This was a wonderful post in honor of your mother. What better way to honor her than sharing one of her favorite dishes, and recipes on your food blog.

    Your mother's photo was very heartwarming and genuine. I can see why your dad was pleased that it was placed in her funeral program.

    Happy Mother's Day to you.

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