Hollandaise Sauce

Ingredients:

• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and warm
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Cayenne pepper or paprika, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together until they are thick and pale.
2. Place the mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
3. Whisk the egg mixture constantly until it thickens and forms ribbons when the whisk is lifted, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the mixing bowl from the heat and slowly drizzle in the melted butter, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick and creamy.
5. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. If desired, garnish the hollandaise sauce with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or paprika.
7. Serve the hollandaise sauce immediately with your favorite dishes, such as poached eggs, steamed vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Enjoy your delicious hollandaise sauce!