British asparagus, poached egg and hollandaise on a crumpet

Serves: 4
Prep: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

What to Do

To make the hollandaise, melt the butter in a small sauce pan and skim off any white solids that float to the surface, leave on a low heat. In a heatproof bowl whisk the two eggs yolks and white wine vinegar until smooth.

Bring a small pan of water to a simmer and sit the bowl containing the egg mixture over the pan to create a bain-marie. Very slowly while continuing to whisk the egg mixture, pour the melted butter in bit by bit. Continue until you have a creamy smooth hollandaise. If the mix starts to get too hot lift the bowl off the heat and continue to whisk.

Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and season to taste. To keep warm until ready to serve.

Bring a shallow wide pan of water to a simmer then add the asparagus to blanch for 2-3 minutes then set aside.

Crack your 4 eggs into 4 separate ramekins, gently lower each ramekin into the simmering water and tip the egg into the pan. Simmer for 4-5 minutes. Whilst your eggs are cooking toast your crumpets.

To assemble, divide the toasted crumpets between 4 plates. Top with asparagus, poached egg and a serving of warm hollandaise. If using sprinkle over some chopped chives.

Serve immediately.