8 slices Brioche, each cut about 1/2-inch thick
Unsalted butter to taste
8 slices Canadian bacon
8 fresh large eggs
For the sauce:
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
2 tablespoons finely minced shallot
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon
Fresh tarragon sprigs for garnish, if desired
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Brush slices of Brioche with butter,
arrange on
a baking sheet and bake in oven until lightly golden.
Heat a grill pan over moderate heat until hot. Add bacon and cook
for
2
minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.
In an egg poacher filled with simmering water, add the eggs and
simmer
them until cooked to taste.
Make the sauce: In a saucepan combine the wine, vinegar and
shallots
and simmer the mixture over moderately high heat until reduced to 2 tablespoons.
Add the egg yolks and water and whisk until thick enough
to see bottom of pan between
strokes. Add butter and whisk until
melted. Slowly add melted butter, a tablespoon at a
time, removing
pan from heat from time to time to prevent curdling, and continue
to add
butter until sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt,
pepper and stir in fresh herbs.
To assemble: Arrange two slices of bread on each of four serving
plates,
top with bacon and egg and nap with sauce. Garnish with
fresh herbs.