Foolproof Hollandaise Sauce

1. Prepare Butter and Egg Yolks

In a large heat-resistant bowl, whisk together the softened butter and the egg yolks until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. This step is crucial as it creates a stable base for your sauce.

2. Set Up Double Boiler

Place the bowl over a medium saucepan that contains about 1/2 inch of barely simmering water. Be sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This setup will allow gentle heat to cook the yolks without scrambling them.

3. Add Boiling Water

Slowly add the 1/2 cup of boiling water to the mixture, whisking constantly. This step should take about 7 to 10 minutes. It's important to continue whisking to prevent curdling and ensure even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature; the sauce should thicken and reach between 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Finish the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and cayenne pepper using a spoon or whisk. Finally, season the sauce to taste with salt.