Orange Eggs Benedict

For the scones:.

Preheat oven to 425.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender, work in the butter until the mixture is coarse crumbs. Mix in the lightly beaten egg, and then the half-and-half and orange zest.

On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth, 1-2 minutes.

Roll the dough out to form a square shape of approximately 5-6 inches - it should be a 3/4 inch thickness. Cut out the square into quarters; you'll have 4 square-shaped scones of approximately 2 1/2-3 inches. Place on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven on the center rack until lightly golden, 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool. The scones can be made the day before and kept tightly wrapped, to make assembly easier in the morning.

Orange hollandaise sauce:.

In a medium saucepan, bring the orange juice to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes. It should reduce to about 1/4 cup of syrup. Set aside.

Here's where it's helpful to have a helper so that you can make the hollandaise sauce at the same time you are getting the other ingredients assembled. If you don't have anyone to help you, continue with step 11. Once your scones, bacon, and eggs are plated, it will just take a couple of minutes to come back to step 9 and finish the sauce.

In another small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbling.

Place the egg yolks in a food processor and process for a few seconds. With the motor running, add the reduced orange juice and salt (if using). Then slowly add the butter in a thin stream. Process for a few more seconds, until it thickens. Serve immediately.

To assemble:.

Saute the Canadian bacon in a non-stick skillet until slightly crisp. Set aside on a plate.

Slice the scones in half, and toast them lightly. Place 2 scone halves on each serving plate.Fill two nonstick skillets with water and bring them to a simmer. Carefully break an egg into a custard cup, and slide it into the simmering water. Repeat with the remaining eggs, one at a time. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, and use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to a dish for a few moments for excess water to drain off.

On your serving plates, top each scone half with a slice of Canadian bacon, then a poached egg. Top with the orange hollandaise sauce. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.