National Eggs Benedict Day

Man in chef's hat, holding a plate of perfectly poached eggs benedict, surrounded by colorful breakfast ingredients.. — National eggs benedict day illustration

The moment has come to put on your aprons and whip out those frying pans, dear yolky aficionados! If you've got an egg-traordinary love for all things breakfast, National Eggs Benedict Day is certainly your sunny side up in the world of food holidays. Let's poach into this tasty event!

When is Eggs Benedict Day?

It's national eggs benedict day on the 16th April.

A Brief History of National Eggs Benedict Day

Quite appropriately, on the eggcellent day of 16th April 2015, the internet witnessed a surge of love for Eggs Benedict, leading to the most mentions of this delectable dish online. Yes, National Eggs Benedict Day was being celebrated in every corner of the internet, from food blogs to social media posts and everything in between. The dish, commonly made with Canadian bacon, an egg, hollandaise sauce, and a toasted English muffin, was gulped down in virtual breakfast parties around the globe.

The Actual History of Eggs Benedict

Did you know that the origins of Eggs Benedict lie in a wicked New York City hangover? Many sources cite that back in 1894, a Wall Street broker named Lemuel Benedict ordered 'buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon, and a side of Hollandaise' at the Waldorf Hotel in a bid to ease his hangover. The Chef was so impressed that he put the dish on the menu but substituted ham for the bacon and an English muffin for the toast. Now that's one yummy twist!

Gearing Up For the Big Day

And how do we celebrate this marvelous creation? With a shout-out to all the eggsquisite Eggs Benedict renditions out there. Vegan Benedict? Check. Brioche Benedict? Check. Smoked salmon Benedict? Double Check. So dear foodies, mark your calendars, ready your taste buds, and prep your kitchens to savor this culinary delight. And don’t forget to share your creations online (Let’s try to break the record for the most online mentions, shall we?).

History behind the term 'Eggs Benedict'

1860

The Creation of Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is believed to have been created in 1860 at the legendary Delmonico's restaurant in New York City. According to the popular story, a wealthy patron named Lemuel Benedict walked into the restaurant and requested a hangover cure. The chef, Charles Ranhofer, came up with a dish consisting of a toasted English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. The combination was an instant success and became known as Eggs Benedict.

1894

First Printed Recipe

The first printed recipe for Eggs Benedict appeared in a cookbook called 'The Epicurean' in 1894. The cookbook, written by Charles Ranhofer himself, included the recipe for 'Eggs a la Benedick.' The recipe differed slightly from the modern version, as it called for the addition of truffles and a garnish of anchovies. Nevertheless, the dish gained further popularity and continued to evolve in the coming years.

1920s

Popularity Spreads to Other Restaurants

By the 1920s, Eggs Benedict had spread beyond Delmonico's and started appearing on menus in other prestigious restaurants across the United States. Its reputation as a luxurious breakfast or brunch item grew, attracting customers seeking a decadent and indulgent dining experience. The dish remained a hallmark of high-end establishments, cementing its status as a classic and beloved American breakfast dish.

1967

Eggs Benedict on the Silver Screen

Eggs Benedict gained a significant boost in popularity thanks to its cameo appearance in the 1967 film 'The Graduate.' In one memorable scene, the character played by Dustin Hoffman is offered Eggs Benedict for breakfast, which he dismisses in his restless state. The movie's wide audience exposure further established Eggs Benedict as an iconic breakfast dish, prompting increased demand in restaurants across the country.

Present Day

Eggs Benedict's Enduring Legacy

To this day, Eggs Benedict remains a beloved and celebrated breakfast dish. It has become a staple on countless brunch menus worldwide and has inspired numerous variations and adaptations. From the addition of avocado to lobster, chefs and food enthusiasts continue to put their own creative spins on this classic, ensuring its longevity and appeal for generations to come.