Caribbean Crab Cakes Benedict
from Julia Dowling Rutland, November 2003, Coastal Living

In this recipe the crab cakes take the place of the English muffin in the traditional Eggs Benedict.

3 saltine crackers
3 (1-ounce) slices French bread, torn
1 pound fresh lump crabmeat, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 egg white
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon seafood seasoning
1/4 cup peanut oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 avocados, peeled and sliced
6 large eggs, poached
Caribbean Hollandaise Sauce (recipe below)
Cracked black pepper
Garnish: diced red bell pepper

Place crackers in a blender or food processor; process until finely ground. Place bread in blender or food processor; process until finely ground.

Combine crabmeat, mayonnaise, cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs, egg white, and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and chill 8 hours.

Shape crab mixture into 6 (4-inch) patties. Cook crab cakes, in batches, in hot oil and melted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat 4 minutes on each side or until golden.

Place avocado slices and poached eggs on crab cakes, and top with Caribbean Hollandaise Sauce and pepper. Garnish, if desired.

Makes 6 servings

Caribbean Hollandaise Sauce

4 egg yolks
1/4 cup Key lime juice
1 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Whisk yolks in top of a double boiler; gradually whisk in juice. Place over hot water (do not boil). Add butter, 1/3 cup at a time, whisking until smooth. Whisk in remaining ingredients. Cook, whisking constantly, 10 minutes or until thickened and a thermometer registers 160°. Serve immediately.

Makes 1 1/2 cups