Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

[onewaypockets]

My wife and I are very frustrated. Every time we try to hard boil eggs, when we go to peel them most or much of the white part of the egg comes off with the shell. The yolks are cooked perfectly. We have Googled and found several "perfect egg recipes" to no avail. We've even tried different brands of eggs.

Help?? Are we having a cooking problem? A cooling problem? A peeling problem??? lol, this whole problem must sound really lame...

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

Much has been written, argued, debated on how to make a perfect hard boiled egg ... and how to peel it.

The first thing is ... it's better to start with "older" eggs ... so if the ones you've been using are very fresh, that could be the problem. Generally you want them to be around for about a week before hard boiling them.

How are you cooking them?

Cooling them?

I use the Julia Child method ... put the eggs in a pan of cold water (I may or may not remember to salt the water or add a bit of vinegar) ... bring the uncovered pan of water to a boil; remove the pan from the heat (change burners); cover the pan; let sit for 16-17 minutes.

Then immediately run the pan under cold water for a few minutes.

Hope that helps.

[Lacypie]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

sounds about right on the method of cooking.... and i read, no salt.. vinegar i have not heard of.

[mission to lose]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

I agree with J.'s method.

But in addition, I peel them under running water in the sink. Water just a touch on the warm side.

[imagood1]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

After I finish boiling them I pour the boiling water off and fill the pan with cold tap water - let them sit a couple minutes then hit each end on the cupboard or sink - I was always taught it made them easier to peel. I don't have any trouble peeling the eggs.

Good luck!

[theredhead]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

I tried many methods to cook a perfect boiled egg, too. I also had a lot of problems peeling them. My DDs finally bought an egg cooker for me and I've NEVER had any trouble peeling the eggs again.

I'm sure there are many models of egg cookers, but this is the one I have. I love it!
henrietta_egg_cookers : Target Search Results

[ADreamComeTrue]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

I have the same problem most of the time..
Sometimes I have noticed if you let them soak in cold water for a few minutes after cooking them, then crack them all over, place back in the water for a few minutes..(make sure the thin white thing attached to the inside of the shell is also broken) then they seem easier to peel, but it may just be my luck. J's method also sounds good! Hope you figure it out, it is frustrating!

-Christie

[mizski]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

The first thing is ... it's better to start with "older" eggs ... so if the ones you've been using are very fresh, that could be the problem. Generally you want them to be around for about a week before hard boiling them.

I've also found that fresh eggs = problems peeling. Also, often if I try to peel them shortly after they are cooked, I have more problems than when they are thoroughly cooled or even refrigerated.

[Desertthorn]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

When we lived in Japan if we wanted hard boiled eggs we bought eggs from the commissary knowing they had travelled a long time. They were always perfectly boiled and easy to peel. If we needed fresh eggs, we bought the local Japan brand and they were delicious, but no way could we hard boil them. The secret is use the oldest egg you have in the refrig.

[onewaypockets]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

Thanks for all the answers! I'm pretty shocked actually...all the responses when I got back to the computer! I will be trying again for the perfect hard boiled egg, and exploring egg cookers as well.

[shalia]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

After cooking the eggs you can lay them into the fridge for 20 minutes. After this you can peel them very well.

[mission to lose]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

Here are more from a thread last October-----



http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/main-atkins-diet-forum/81794-fastest-boiled-egg.html

[cleochatra]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

One thing I want to add that makes hard boiled eggs beyond fun are egg molds. The stuff of Bento lunches (Japanese), you can form eggs into hearts, stars, and even teddy bears and bunnies! The molds are super cheap. I bought mine on ebay. I used the hearts for the fourth of July. Here's a picture of the molds and some fun eggs!

[mission to lose]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

Cleo-
Those are so cute!

[cleochatra]

Re: Hard Boiled Eggs? How?

I love them. There's nothing like having a little bunny face in your hard-boiled egg! The kids think it is super cute, too. We do a lot of bento around here. Egg molds are a must-have, and they're cheap and easy to use! *squee*

Tools of the Trade: The Egg Mold
Originally purchased for bento cooking, I acquired egg molds (I found mine through ebay) in order to make exciting shapes with hard boiled eggs. Making molded eggs is pretty simple if you follow a few key steps.

1. Prepare a bath of ice water in a mixing bowl.
2. Once eggs are boiled, keep eggs warm in water (cold eggs won't mold).
3. As soon as possible (and without burning your fingers), peel egg and place in the center of a mold.
4. Immerse mold in ice-cold water for 10 minutes.
5. Remove egg and allow to cool in the refrigerator. Repeat process with more eggs.

Egg mold tips: Size matters. Extra-Large eggs fill the mold better, presenting more shapely eggs. Too small of an egg will only give a representation of the shape.