Eggs Benedict - with a twist

Weekend brunch, an activity that seems to be gaining in popularity here in Singapore over the last several years. I remember hearing the phrase "Eggs Benedict" may years ago and having to ask Wikipedia what it was. The wife loves her weekend brunch, even though I constantly remind her about how I feel that a lot of the popular brunch locales are grossly overpriced. 

There are those who really enjoy brunch food and do not have the inclination to make their own. Then there are those who enjoy taking pictures of their food and upping each other in "who went to the classier brunch place competition". Also not forgetting those who just want to be seen/tagged/<insert your preferred social network lingo> in a trendy brunch establishment. 

This reminds me of a quote:
"No matter how low things were in my life, how desperate, how unlovely my personal habits at the time, I could always get a brunch gig, the smell of failure for me is french toast.” Anthony Bourdain.

Interpret that however you like =P.

Anyway enough of my rants. Let's focus on the only parts that matter, the food and the eating.

I do enjoy brunch food (Bacon and eggs, what's not to like?). So I decided that this particular weekend I was going to stay home and make brunch. I got the idea of this dish from Chef John at www.foodwishes.com. He calls it the Monte Cristo Benedict.

It was really enjoyable. Actually no, it was not enjoyable, it was awesome.
It was like "French Toast" meets "Ham and Cheese" meets "Eggs Benedict".

Here is what you need for 2 portions.
For the French Toast batter:
2 large eggs
2-3 tbsp cream
1 tbsp sugar
pinch of salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
pinch of allspice (optional)
4 thick slices of bread

Rest of the stuff:
1 tbsp butter or oil for frying
4 slices of ham or 8 bacon rashers (or any combination of the two)
6 slices cheddar cheese (Quartered Triangles or whatever shape you like)
4 poached eggs. (poached eggs video by an instructor from CIA)

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. (If using bacon, lay the individual slices of bacon out on a baking tray. Let it cook in the preheated oven for about 15mins or when they turn slightly crispy.)
 
2. In large mixing bowl, whisk 2 eggs, cream, white sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and allspice together in a bowl until the batter is mixed well.
 
3. Add in the bread into the batter, 1 slice at the time. Making sure each slice is well coated on both sides. Once done leave the bread to sit in the batter to continue to soak up the remaining batter. About 10 mins or so.

4. Heat the oil/butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Once oil/butter is heated up, cook bread slices in the hot oil/butter until browned. Should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the French toast slices to a baking tray when done.

5. Add the ham slices into the hot skillet and cook until meat begins to brown, about 1 minute per side.

6. To assemble, place  cheddar cheese slices on a slice of French toast, top with 2 slices of ham, and lay a more cheese the over ham/bacon.

7. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese has melted and begun to brown, about 20 minutes.

8. Place the sandwiches on serving plates and top each with a poached egg. Season with a pinch salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper

9. EAT! =)

Have a favorite brunch dish? Do share with us!