by Ruby Ernica Samy

Created on: April 13, 2010

Eggs are extremely versatile, delicious to eat and very simple to cook. They are a fabulous ingredient, whether cooked into an omelette or modified into a homemade mayonnaise. They are truly an important part of many cuisines.

I love eggs and just can't think of living without them. Sunday or Monday, breakfast lunch or dinner I can eat them anytime and in any shape. I am crazy about eggs and ever ready to eat then in all forms. Eggs mix so beautifully with other ingredients to create a huge variety of food. From simple omelette's to tarts, delicious egg salads to mouth watering egg puddings they are loved by all.

Though it is very simple to cook eggs but sometimes we end up with burnt bottoms, runny tops and imperfect poaches. These are common pitfalls but whatever your egg dilemma, I have an answer to all the egg related queries. Read on to learn the secrets of cooking perfect eggs whether boiled, fried, scrambled or poached.

Tips for cooking boiled eggs

1 Always select those eggs that do not have any visible cracks.

2  If you are using refrigerated eggs, bring them to room temperature by keeping them in warm water for 5 minutes. Eggs which are at room temperature are less likely to crack in the hot water.

3 Keep the boiled eggs in ice cold water immediately as it helps the papery membrane to stick to the shell, instead of to the egg, and therefore makes the egg much easier to peel.

4 Add a splash of regular white vinegar in the boiling water; the vinegar softens the shells nicely making it just slip off. A time tested remedy for peeling eggs quickly.

5 In case some cracks do develop while boiling eggs do not get upset simply add a tablespoon of salt to the cooking water. The salt will facilitate immensely to speed up the denaturing of the cracked egg white, and will also stop the egg white from feathering into the water.

Hard Boiled Eggs

For cooking hard boiled eggs put the eggs in a pot of cold water and make sure that they are completely submerged in water. Partially cover the pot and bring the water to boil. When the water starts boiling, turn the heat down to low and let the eggs boil for 12 to 13 minutes. After boiling the eggs remove them from the hot water and put them in a bowl of ice cold water for 4 to 5 minutes to prevent from further cooking. Icy water will aid in peeling efficiently.

Soft Boiled Eggs

For perfect soft boiled eggs add them to simmering water by putting them gently in the simmering water pot. Cook then for about 3 minutes for

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