Protein Sparing Bread Eggs BenedictProtein Sparing Bread Eggs Benedict

Step 1

To make the BUNS: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 2

Separate the eggs (save the yolks), and whip the whites for a few minutes until VERY stiff (I use a stand mixer on high for a few minutes).

Step 3

Gently mix the protein powder and herbs into the whites.

Step 4

Slowly fold the reserved egg yolks into the whites (making sure the whites don't fall).

Step 5

Grease a cookie sheet with coconut oil spray and place mounds of "dough" about the size of a hamburger bun onto the sheet.

Step 6

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7

Let completely cool before cutting or the buns will fall.

Step 8

Make hollandaise sauce: In the bottom of a double boiler or in a medium saucepan, bring 1 in. of water to a simmer over high heat and adjust heat to maintain simmer. Put egg yolks, lemon juice, and mustard in top of a double boiler or in a round-bottomed medium bowl and set over simmering water. Whisk yolk mixture to blend.

Step 9

Whisking constantly, add butter in a slow, steady stream (it should take about 90 seconds). Cook sauce, whisking, until it reaches 140°, then adjust heat to maintain temperature (remove from simmering water if necessary). Add salt, pepper, and cayenne and continue whisking until thick, about 3 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Remove from stove and set aside.

Step 10

Assembly: Place 2 bun halves on each plate and top with ham.

Step 11

Poach eggs: Bring 1 in. water to boil in a 12-in.-wide pan. Lower heat so that small bubbles form on the bottom of the pan and break to the surface only occasionally. Crack eggs into water 1 at a time, holding shells close to the water's surface and letting eggs slide out gently. Poach eggs, in 2 batches to keep them from crowding, 3 to 4 minutes for soft-cooked. Lift eggs out with a slotted spoon, pat dry with a paper towel, and place 1 egg on each ham covered protein bun.

Step 12

Top each egg with 2 to 3 TBS reserved hollandaise sauce and serve hot.

Step 13

POACHING EGGS TIP: add a few tablespoons of coconut vinegar to the simmering water you poach the eggs in. This helps hold the whites together.