Ingredients:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for added flavor

Instructions:

1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, water, and lemon juice until well combined.
2. Place the bowl over a pot of barely simmering water (creating a double boiler), ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
3. The water should be hot but not boiling.
4. Continue whisking the egg yolk mixture vigorously while slowly pouring in the melted butter in a thin, steady stream.
5. Keep whisking until the sauce begins to thicken and emulsify.
6. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
7. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the bowl from the heat.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if desired, for a bit of extra flavor.
9. Serve the Hollandaise sauce immediately over eggs Benedict, steamed vegetables, or grilled fish.
10. If you’re not serving it immediately, you can keep it warm by placing the bowl in a larger bowl of warm water.
11. Enjoy your homemade Hollandaise sauce!