THERMOS FOR HOT DRINKS RECIPES

Steps:

• Whisk egg yolks in a small saucepan until smooth, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon cold water, cornstarch, Dijon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; whisk until thoroughly combined. Prepare a bowl of ice water large enough to dip bottom of saucepan into; set aside.
• Add 1 tablespoon cold butter to egg yolk mixture; place over very low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbles have disappeared, 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to curdle egg mixture. (If egg mixture looks anything but perfectly smooth, remove from heat, and briefly plunge saucepan into ice water, whisking constantly.) When butter is completely incorporated and mixture has thickened, immediately add remaining 1 tablespoon cold butter; remove from heat, and whisk until smooth.
• While whisking egg yolk mixture constantly, slowly add 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon at a time, until mixture begins to thicken, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, add remaining 10 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes. Whisk in cayenne, remaining 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add warm water, 1 teaspoon at a time, as needed until sauce is thin enough to spread out on its own a bit but still thick and billowy. Cover pan, and move to back of stove, or set over another pan with hot water in it, to keep sauce warm. Add more warm water to thin if needed after resting.
• Set a steamer basket in a medium saucepan, and fill pan with 1 inch of water. Bring to a simmer over medium; add cold eggs. Cover and cook eggs 7 minutes for runny yolks, increasing time by 30-second increments up to 8 minutes and 30 seconds for less runny yolks. Transfer eggs to ice bath; let stand 1 to 2 minutes. Carefully peel eggs.
• To assemble, drape each piece of sourdough toast with 2 prosciutto slices. Cut peeled eggs carefully in half lengthwise, and top each toast with 2 egg halves. Spoon 1/4 cup hollandaise over each toast; sprinkle with herbs and, if desired, black pepper.

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
  2. Trim and finely chop the spring onions and put them into a large frying pan on a medium-low heat with a little drizzle of oil.
  3. Add the spinach with a grating of nutmeg and a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Cook down until dark and delicious, and any excess water has cooked away, then add a squeeze of lemon juice to taste, and keep warm.
  4. To make the hollandaise, melt the butter in a small pan. Put the egg yolks into a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water and whisk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and the mustard.
  5. Whisking constantly, very slowly (otherwise it will split) pour the melted butter into the egg mixture, until well combined, adding a splash of water to loosen, if needed. Whisk in a splash of vinegar and season to perfection.
  6. Turn the heat off and keep warm over the pan of water, stirring occasionally, and loosening with an extra splash of water if needed (or see tip).
  7. Warm the muffins in the oven.
  8. Meanwhile, simply press an oiled sheet of good-quality clingfilm into an oiled teacup, then crack 2 eggs into it to cheat a double-yolker. Bring the sides up, ease out any air, twist together and tie a tight knot to pouch the egg into a parcel – it’s very easy.
  9. Repeat with the remaining eggs (a drizzle of truffle oil, a shake of Tabasco or a few fresh soft herbs can be added to your parcels for extra flavour).
  10. Poach the parcels in a pan of gently simmering water for 8½ minutes. To check they’re done, lift one out with a slotted spoon and gently squeeze – use your instincts.
  11. Halve the warm muffins, then divide over the spinach and waves of delicate ham. Unwrap the poached double-yolker eggs and balance on top, spoon a tablespoon of hollandaise over each one, then bust the eggs open and enjoy.