How to Cook the Perfect Hard-cooked Egg

To avoid green rings on the yolk, cracked shells, leaking whites, undercooked or hard-to-peel eggs, follow these simple, foolproof steps.

1. Use eggs that are as fresh as possible.
2. Place eggs in saucepan and cover with cold water.
3. Cover saucepan and place on burner at high heat.
4. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove saucepan from heat.
5. Let eggs rest in hot water for 15 minutes.
6. Rinse or soak in cold water until eggs are no longer warm.

At this point they may be stored in a cool place until you are ready to peel them and use them. The shells should peel off easily, leaving a perfectly smooth, hard-cooked egg.

Suggestions For Use:

Hard-cooked eggs are great on their own with a little salt as a quick, high protein snack. Chop them or slice them as a garnish for green salads, or potato salads. Mash them with a fork adding mayonnaise, green onions and chopped celery to make egg salad sandwiches.

An easy and delicious contribution to a summer picnic or barbecue is deviled eggs. Slice peeled eggs in half length-wise and scoop out yolks. Place emptied whites on a platter. Mash yolks with your favorite creamy dressing or mayonnaise. Use a little vinegar if the consistency of the yolk mixture is too stiff. Add salt or other seasoning to taste. Scoop yolk mixture back into egg whites. Garnish with sprigs of parsley or other herbs and sprinkle with paprika for additional color.

Using the above steps to cook your eggs will ensure that your deviled eggs or egg salads will have attractive, yellow yolks, enhancing the presentation of your dishes.