RED WINE EGGS BENEDICT

Red Wine Eggs Benedict image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 45m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups red wine, such as merlot or pinot noir (see Cook's Note)
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
8 slices speck
4 English muffin halves, toasted
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup light green celery leaves (from the inside of the celery), optional

Steps:

For the sauce: Add the red wine, bay leaf and rosemary to a small skillet. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer until reduced by half, about 14 minutes. Remove the herbs. Mix together the butter and flour in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Whisk the butter mixture into the reduced wine. Reduce the heat to low and allow to just bubble slightly, to cook out the raw flour taste, about 5 minutes. Season with the salt and keep warm.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
For the assembly: Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the speck out on the prepared baking sheet and bake until crisp and golden, about 12 minutes. Break the speck slices in half and place on the toasted English muffins.
Place a medium saucepan with 1 quart water, the vinegar and salt over medium-low heat. Bring to a gentle simmer. Break one egg into a small bowl. Swirl the water using a slotted spoon and slide the egg into the center of the water. Repeat with another egg and another swirl of the water. Cook the eggs for 3 minutes, coaxing the whites up and over the yolks if needed. When the whites are set but the yolk is still soft, use the slotted spoon to remove the eggs and slide on top of the speck. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Top with a generous spoonful of the sauce and a pinch of the parsley and celery leaves, if using.