Ingredients
Method
- Make the Cloud Bread Batter: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large, clean bowl, beat the 3 egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer. Watch as the mixture transforms from a frothy liquid into a glossy, stiff meringue that holds a firm peak when you lift the beaters — this will take about 4-5 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks with the softened cream cheese, smoked paprika, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and a pale yellow colour.
- Fold and Shape: Gently fold a large spoonful of the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Then, pour the yolk mixture into the remaining whites and fold carefully with a rubber spatula. You want to see no white streaks remain, but be gentle — the batter should be airy and billowy, not deflated. Spoon the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 8 round mounds about 10cm in diameter. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Bake the Cloud Bread: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cloud breads are puffed up, golden brown on the edges, and feel firm to a gentle touch. The kitchen will smell warm and faintly of paprika. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They will deflate slightly, which is perfectly normal.
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: While the cloud bread bakes, lay the turkey bacon slices in a single layer in a cold, non-stick frying pan. Set the pan over medium heat. You'll hear a gentle sizzle as the fat renders. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bacon is deeply browned, crisp around the edges, and releases a rich, smoky aroma. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Poach the Eggs: Bring a large saucepan of water to a gentle simmer — you should see small bubbles rising from the bottom, but no rolling boil. Add the white vinegar. Crack one egg into a small ramekin. Create a gentle whirlpool in the water with a spoon, then slide the egg into the centre. The white will wrap around the yolk almost immediately. Poach for 3 minutes for a runny yolk, or 3.5 minutes for a slightly firmer yolk. The white should be set and opaque, while the yolk feels soft and bouncy when gently prodded. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
- Blend the Hollandaise: In a small blender, combine the 3 egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne. Blend on low for 10 seconds until combined. With the blender running, very slowly drizzle in the warm melted butter in a thin, steady stream. The sauce will immediately thicken and turn a pale, creamy yellow, with a velvety, smooth consistency. Season with salt and white pepper. If it's too thick, blend in a teaspoon of warm water.
- Assemble the Benedict: Place two cloud bread rounds on each plate. Top each with a slice of crisp turkey bacon, then a poached egg. Spoon the warm hollandaise generously over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives and an extra pinch of smoked paprika for colour. Serve immediately, while the yolk is still runny and the cloud bread is soft.
Notes
For best results, prepare the cloud bread and cook the turkey bacon first. Poach the eggs and make the hollandaise just before serving to ensure everything is warm and fresh. You can keep poached eggs warm in a bowl of warm water while you finish the hollandaise.
