"EggsBenedict" news and stories

Yesterday might have been Easter with a full springtime brunch that included that brunchiferous staple, Eggs Benedict, but did you know that National Eggs Benedict Day is actually in a week - April 16?

Yep, I didn't know that either, and I also didn't know that there are about a bazillion myths surrounding the origin of an English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and Hollandaise sauce. Heck, I might have even thought that Eggs Benedict was the bourgie incarnation of an Egg McMuffin! Take a peek at the Sunday New York Times for the full rundown on the (proposed) history of Eggs Benedict.

Thanks, everyone, for coming by our little Garden Party today! In case you missed anything, or want an easy reference back to all our recipes, ideas and posts, here is a roundup of all the stuff we did today:

General and How-To:

• Party Food Porn: White Chocolate Petit Fours
• Edible centerpieces for a garden party
• Cookbooks for parties
• Impress with caviar
• Lime cheesecake mini-tarts

Recipes:

• Smoked Salmon Benedict
• Carrot Mini-Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
• Lemon Buttermilk Cupcakes
• Edamame Hummus on Toasted Flatbread
• Asparagus, Basil and Tomato Fritatta
• Spinach and Feta Fritatta
• Garlic and Parmesan Roasted New Potatoes
• Coconut Cupcakes
• Cauliflower Soup with Toasted Garlic and Scallions
• Elegant Nasturtium and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Drinks:

• Easy punch recipes
• Pimms Original Cocktail
• Campari and Soda with orange
• Grapefruit Cooler Cocktail
• Sparkling cocktails: mimosa, bellini, and kir royale

Tropical fruits:

• Papaya
• Tamarind
• Watermelon Juice
• Spanish Limes/Genips/Quenepas/Mamoncillos

We also had a reader submission from Cookbook 411 for some amazing looking Mini Puff Pastry Pizzas - check them out!

[Photo by Nicole Weston]

Eggs Benedict is the quintessential brunch food. They're great to order on a Sunday monring in the Dining Room of the Ritz Carlton, but they can be a pain in the you-know-where to do a for a large party at home because off the poached eggs. However, poached eggs have an undeserved reputation for being difficult. In fact, for a group, poached eggs are perfect.

To make Smoke Salmon Benedicts, lay out toasted English muffins, top with a few slices of smoked salmon. Just before serving, you will place a poached egg on top, then drizzle (or drown, as preferred) with Hollandaise sauce. Instructions for poached eggs after the jump.