Eggs aren't just for breakfast anymore. There are so many ways in which you can cook an egg that it would take forever and a day to list them all. But, if you've never really explored their uses, there are a number of different, yet basic methods you should try to prepare eggs.
Types
Some of the more common methods of preparing eggs are sunny-side up, fried, poached, shirred, soft-boiled, hard-boiled and scrambled. Each way depends on the method of cooking as well as the way you prepare the egg once it is cracked.
Function
Start with the fried egg, sunny-side up. Start off by heating a little butter in the skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl without breaking the yolk (easier to remove the shells) and then gently pour them into a skillet. Reduce the heat to low and allow them to cook slowly while you spoon the heated butter over the top of the egg. Once the egg white becomes bright white and the yolk is set (a film will form over it), the eggs are done. For a basic fried egg, follow the same directions, except instead of spooning the butter over the eggs, flip them over when the whites become white. You can then cook them over-easy, over-medium and over-hard--varying the length of time you allow them to set.
Identification
Poached eggs are prepared in a completely different method. Water is brought to a boil, then reduced to a simmer before the egg is cracked into the heated liquid. Cover the skillet and allow the eggs to simmer for anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes (the longer you cook, the harder the yolk). Lift them out with a slotted spoon and serve.
Effects
Shirred eggs are basically oven-baked eggs. Crack each egg into a 3-inch custard or tart cup and top with 1 tsp. of butter. Salt and pepper to taste and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes (the longer they bake, the harder the yolk).
Benefits
Boiled eggs are heated right in the shell. Varying the cooking time will make them either soft or hard. Bring water to a boil and then add eggs. Once submerged, reduce the heat to a simmer. For soft-boiled eggs, allow to cook for 3 to 5 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, keep them in a lot longer--18 to 20 minutes.
Potential
Scrambled eggs are very popular. In a bowl, beat together 1 tbsp. of milk for every egg. Heat about 1 tbsp. of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and reduce the heat to low. As soon as the bottom sets, stir. Continue stirring until eggs are cooked evenly.
Tags: allow them, boil then, butter over, butter skillet, butter skillet over, harder yolk
