The Pleasures of the Flesh

This is probably a sin. I take that back. This is a sin. As Martin Luther is reputed to have said, "If you must sin, sin with a will."

Artichoke Benedict

4 medium California
artichokes
4 slices (1/4-inch thick)
Canadian bacon
4 eggs
Hollandaise Sauce (recipe
follows)

Prepare and cook artichokes as directed for Whole Artichokes (see Basic Preparation). Brown Canadian bacon slices in skillet. Poach eggs in boiling, salted water. Spread leaves of artichoke open like flower petals. Remove center petals and fuzzy centers from artichokes and discard. Place bacon slices into artichoke centers, covering bottom, and top with poached eggs. Spoon on Hollandaise Sauce and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
3 egg yolks
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup firm cold butter, cut into eighths
1/8 teaspoon paprika
dash ground red pepper

In small saucepan, heat together egg yolks, water and lemon juice. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until yolk mixture bubbles at edges. Stir in butter, 1 piece at a time, until melted and sauce is thickened. Stir paprika, red pepper and salt to taste. Remove from heat. Serve warm. Cover and chill if not used immediately.

Makes about ¾ cup

Click the link and go look at the pictures, they really help the prep if you are unfamiliar with this fruit. Believe me, you want to get familiar with it as soon as possible. Egad, these are good.