I tried to interpret this theme as both out of the box creative and out of the box using boxed food. I have really been craving a spicy version of an eggs Benedict and the recipe I found was over squash but I decided to do over cornbread muffins to incorporate the out of the box element of the Jiffy box of cornbread muffins. I also had a leftover instant mashed potatoes to use up (I had a false memory of liking instant mashed potatoes from childhood that proved to be wrong) so I figured I would also make some potato pancakes to go along with the eggs Benny breakfast. I also snagged a box (well the outside of the carton was a box) of spicy, chunky guacamole from Trader Joe's to add another out of the box element (also because I wasn't sure my grocery pick up avocado would be ripe in time).

Based on the reviews of the potato pancakes, I messed with the recipe a lot. I added minced onion, cheese, white pepper and milk instead of water. There was also a suggestion to divide into 8 patties rather than 4 so that they get extra crispy. The batter looked really loose, so after I formed the patties, I put them in the freezer while I made the chorizo for the eggs Benny. (Too be completely honest, I initially measured the potato flakes as 2/3 cup instead of 3/4 cup because my kid was repeatedly asking for more cereal and I got distracted. My brain also could not compute how to measure 3/4-2/3 cup to fix it so I tried my best.) Even after freezing for a little bit, they were still falling apart, but I just decided to go with it because the potato pancakes were more of a side/afterthought.

This was also going to be my first time attempting to poach an egg with out the silicone molds. I used this website for instructions. It was surprisingly a lot easier than I expected. The second round went much better than the first.

For the plating, I layered 2 corn muffins cut in half, spread guac on all of the halves, loaded up guacamole, then chorizo, and then two poached eggs topped with chipotle holandaise sauce and cilantro. I set up the potato pancakes on the side with a little dollop of sour cream.

The eggs Benny turned out pretty delicious. The chipotle hollandaise sauce was a little extra spicy, so I might tone that back a bit the next time I make it. Next time, I might throw some cotija cheese on top. The potato pancakes were pretty meh. Wouldn't make them again. 

Eggs Benedict Rating:9/10

Potato Pankcakes Rating: 2/10

Link to eggs benedict recipe here

Link to potato pancakes recipe here