20--- Eggs Benedict Appetizer-Style

Anyone going out and living it up on New Year's Eve? Do you need an appetizer?

This is a fun appetizer to serve AFTER midnight for those partying well into the morning.  It's Eggs Benedict, Appetizer-Style!  

Eggs Benedict Appetizer-Style
Serves 12

6 thick slices Canadian bacon, cut into quarters
4 hard-boiled eggs, cut into 1/4" slices
1 French baguette, cut into 1/2" slices, toasted lightly
Fresh Ground Pepper or Paprika for garnish
Tabasco (for serving)

HOLLANDAISE CREAM CHEESE
4 oz cream  cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup half & half

For cream cheese: mix all ingredients in a small blender until well-mixed and smooth.  Set aside.

For assembly: place toasted baguette slices on a serving tray, then layer each with 2 tsp hollandaise cream cheese, two Canadian bacon quarters, one slice of hard-boiled egg, and one additional 1/4 tsp hollandaise cream cheese.  Sprinkle each with paprika or fresh ground black pepper.  Serve with a side of Tabasco for guests to use if desired.

**For ahead preparation, prepare all ingredients individually, refrigerate cream cheese mixture (will need to come to room temperature prior to assembly), Canadian bacon slices, and hard-boiled egg slices.  Assemble just prior to serving.