Perfectly Cooked Eggs

Ingredients:

• Fresh eggs (as many as you need)
• Water (enough to cover the eggs)
• Ice (optional, for an ice bath)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggs:
   • Use fresh eggs for the best results. Older eggs tend to peel easier when boiled but may not have the best flavor.
2. Boiling Water First:
   • Instead of placing the eggs in a pot of cold water, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil first.
   • Make sure there is enough water to completely cover the eggs by about an inch.
3. Add the Eggs:
   • Once the water is boiling, gently lower the eggs into the water using a spoon or ladle. Be careful to avoid cracking the eggs.
   • Reducing the risk of cracking helps maintain the freshness and texture of the eggs.
4. Boil the Eggs:
   • For soft-boiled eggs: Boil for 6 minutes.
   • For medium-boiled eggs: Boil for 8 minutes.
   • For hard-boiled eggs: Boil for 10-12 minutes.
5. Cool the Eggs:
   • Once the eggs have reached your desired level of doneness, immediately remove them from the boiling water.
   • To stop the cooking process, you can transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. This makes them easier to peel.
6. Peel and Serve:
   • Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell, then peel away the shell under running water to remove any small bits.
   • Serve the eggs as desired.

By avoiding starting with cold water, the eggs cook more evenly, and you’re less likely to end up with rubbery whites or overcooked yolks.