Brunch Crab Benedict

Step 1

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Remove biscuits from the freezer and bake in the oven according to package directions while preparing filling and eggs.

Step 2

In a medium-size bowl, shred crab or break up into smallish bite-size chunks. Toss with cheeses, pepper, and onion. Add chopped artichoke hearts, lemon juice, dill, and mayonnaise. Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt. Refrigerate covered until needed.

Step 3

Mix the mock hollandaise sauce in a small bowl. Measure out the butter into the bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds. Add mayonnaise and whisk until smooth. Add lemon to taste and whisk again. Set aside until ready to use. (If this is too thick when serving, add a bit more melted butter. Heat for just 5 to 7 seconds and whisk again.)

Step 4

Poach 8 eggs by whatever method you choose. (Fresh eggs are best as they hold their shape better.) I use a large skillet with about 1-2 inches of water, add 1 Tbsp or two of vinegar and bring to very slow simmer (bubbles just barely coming to the surface). Break each egg into a small cup and slide it slowly into the simmering water. In a large skillet, you can do about 4 eggs. Allow to cook until white is set and yolk is still soft, depending on the simmer. Remove carefully from the water with a slotted spoon and place into warm/tap hot water in a large flat container. (I use a shallow glass casserole big enough to hold all eight eggs.) Set aside until ready to serve.

Step 5

Split the biscuits. On each of the bottom halves, spread equal amounts of the crab mixture. Place all the half biscuits with topping on a baking sheet and place in the 375 degree oven for about 4-7 minutes to heat and melt cheeses. While heating spread a little butter on the top halves. When cheese is melted, pull out the baking sheet and place the biscuit tops on it butter side up, next to the already heated halves.

Step 6

Turn oven to broil. Return pan to oven for a few minutes to brown the buttered tops and the crab mixture. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7

Remove pan from oven and plate up the sandwiches. To serve, place the crab topped half of the sandwich on a luncheon plate. Slide one poached egg on top of the crab mixture and then place about 1-2 Tbsp of the hollandaise on top of the egg. Sprinkle with some chopped parsley or some paprika to "decorate" and serve the broiled, butter top half to the side.

Step 8

This sounds tedious, but remember, you can make the crab mixture and refrigerate till needed. You can make the mock hollandaise and keep it refrigerated then reheat slightly just before serving (whisk to smooth) and you can poach the eggs ahead and hold them in cold water in the fridge for several hours to overnight if you just reheat them in hot water before serving them. So most of the work can be spread out over several hours or done the night before. (Why spend your whole morning in the kitchen before a brunch? Make it easy on yourself.)