by Clarke Chef Brittany Williams
Spring is finally here (really!), with holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day, when the perfect brunch is just the way to celebrate. Brunch is always the perfect way to celebrate in my book. When you really want to impress, try brunch at home. Here are some great tips for creating brunch for a crowd that will have you enjoying the event as much as the guests do! While everyone will be impressed with your beautiful spread, little will they know that you didn’t even have to break a sweat when you allow Wolf to do all the work.
The Perfect Toast
Wolf Convection means no more baby-sitting your baked goods. Don’t want to stand by a toaster? No problem! You can toast bagels and English muffins with ease using Convection mode 325°. Toast up to 21 English muffins or bagels in less than 10 minutes. Then you are ready to top with cream cheese and smoked salmon or a poached egg (see below for another secret concerning these) for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
Poached Eggs Made Easy
If you have ever attempted poached eggs, you know that they aren’t exactly an easy feat, but with the power and consistency of a Wolf Gas Range, you are in luck. The key to making perfect poached eggs is temperature control. You need a large saucepot filled ¾ of the way with water. Let the water heat on medium-high for about 6 minutes, just until bubbles start to form on the bottom of the pot. The water should be just at the simmering point, around 190-195°. You don’t want the water simmering, just on the edge.
Once your water has reached temperature, add a cap full (about a teaspoon) of white wine vinegar to the water. Meanwhile, crack two eggs into a glass bowl and set aside. Using a whisk, whisk the water quite vigorously in a circular motion, until a nice whirlpool forms. Immediately place the eggs into the pot, gently. To do this, lower the bowl with the eggs slightly into the water and tilt. The eggs will just plop right out into the water (remain calm!) The water should still be swirling. The white wine vinegar will help the egg whites coagulate and ensure they cook evenly.
Now, at this point, you stand back, set a timer for 3 minutes and let the eggs and water do all of the work. After 3 minutes, using a slotted spoon, gently pick up one of the eggs and look to see if it is done. Give it a little poke. The yolk should still be runny and the white should be cooked. If it still seems “slimy” or translucent, place it back in the water and check every 30 seconds until done.
Now, for the best trick!
When the eggs are done, slide them into a container of ice water. Repeat the steps above for as many eggs as you’d like to poach. Once you have poached all of your eggs, pop a lid on the container and hold in the refrigerator until guests arrive or even overnight! To reheat, bring a pot of water to just a simmer (same as before). Slide the eggs in, a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes until heated through!
Makin’ Bacon
What about standing over the stove flipping bacon? No more! You can cook 3 trays of bacon (3-4 pounds!) in the Wolf Convection Oven too! Simply line a tray with tin foil on Convection Mode 400° for 6-10 minutes, depending of your desired doneness. Then pop your perfectly done bacon into your Wolf Warming Drawer to keep it warm until you are ready to serve.
Warm Welcome
In addition with holding your food at just the right temperature, the Wolf Warming Drawer is also the perfect place to keep your plates and coffee mugs at just the right temperature until serving.
Hard Boil Eggs in the Carton?
Yes! With the Wolf Convection Steam Oven, the possibilities are endless. In the interest of spending time with your guests, these eggs and home fries can be done ahead of time without sacrificing taste and texture. Place 1 dozen eggs, in the cardboard carton, right into the Convection Steam Oven. Select Steam Mode and set the timer for 17 minutes. Once done, allow eggs to cool then slide them right into the refrigerator. For quicker cooling (and eating!) place eggs into a bowl and run under cold water. Perfect addition to brunch!
While your eggs are steaming, you can also steam some potatoes in the Convection Steam Oven, for perfect roasted home fries. Wash and cut potatoes into one-inch cubes and spread out onto a baking tray. Place in the Convection Steam Oven on Steam Mode 210° until just tender. Then you can add your favorite seasoning and roast on Convection Steam Mode 400° for 20-30 minutes until crispy and cooked/heated through.
Create the Illusion of Fresh Baked!
In your Wolf Convection Steam Oven you can also use the Reheat Mode to rejuvenate the muffins or other pastries you made a day or two before…your guests will think they were freshly baked and no one will ever know your secret!
With these brunch secrets and a little orange juice and champagne, you’ll never meet friends and family “out for brunch” again…and everyone will enjoy the warmth, comfort and gracious feeling of being together in your home.
If you find these secrets too good to be true, it’s time to visit Clarke, New England’s Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom and Test Kitchen for a Test Drive to try out these extraordinary Wolf features for yourself. Click here to make your appointment today.