Mushroom & Asparagus Eggs Benedict

Served over toasted bread, this eggs Benedict is truly stunning.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large shallot, finely diced
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ teaspoon thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
6 ounces wild mushrooms, halved or quartered depending on size
¼ cup white wine, or broth
½ cup heavy cream
4 slices multigrain bread, lightly toasted
12 spears asparagus, blanched
4 eggs
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Method:
1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes, then add the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Add the butter and allow it to melt, then toss in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Add the wine or broth, deglaze the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Add the cream and simmer until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes and reduce the heat to low.

3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and reduce the heat to medium. Swirl the water in the pot. Crack an egg into a bowl and gently pour the egg from the bowl into the water. Repeat with another egg. Let the eggs cook until the whites are set but the yolks are not, about 2-3 minutes then fish them out. Repeat with remaining two eggs.

4. To serve, place the toast on plates, top with the asparagus, poached eggs and creamy mushroom sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.