Emeril's Egg Benedict With Country Ham, Poached Eggs And Fresh Herb Hollandaise

This is a classic for brunch anytime! Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or a light salad for a full meal.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
4 English muffins, split in half, toasted
2 fresh ham steaks, about 6 ounces each
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
8 eggs, individually cracked into 8 cups
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon Creole Mustard
Salt
Cayenne
1/2 pound butter, melted and warm
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mild herbs, such as tarragon, chervil, parsley, basil, etc.

Spread the softened butter on each half of the English muffins.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ham steaks and sear for a couple of minutes on each side. Remove the ham steaks and cut each into 8 pieces.
Bring a pot of salted water and vinegar to a boil. Slide the whole eggs into the water 1 at a time. When the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the eggs are set, watch carefully and remove the eggs when the yolks are still soft, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Remove the eggs from the water and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season the eggs with salt and pepper.
In a stainless steel bowl set over a pot of simmering water over medium heat, whisk the egg yolks with the lemon juice, water, and mustard, together. Season with salt and cayenne. Whisk the mixture until pale yellow and slightly thick. Be careful not to let the bowl touch the water. Remove the bowl from the pot and whisking vigorously, add the butter, 1 teaspoon at a time, until all is incorporated. Fold in the fresh herbs.

To serve: Place 2 pieces of the ham on each slice of English muffin. Lay the poached eggs on top of the ham. Spoon the Hollandaise sauce over the eggs. Garnish the eggs with parsley.