How can I hard boil eggs without the shells cracking?
Eggs have an air bubble in the large end. Egg shell is porous and if the air is heated slowly it can migrate out through the shell. If the air bubble is heated too rapidly for the air to escape through the shell, it cracks.
A technique that works real well for me is to put eggs in a pan of water and bring to a boil. Take the pan off the burner and put a lid on and let it sit in the hot water for 16 minutes. A perfect hard boiled egg everytime.
The best way to boil to eggs is to place them in a pot of COLD water, place on the stove on high and once they actually begin to boil, turn them off and put a lid on the pot. Time them for twelve minutes and then drain the hot water and put them in cold water until they are cool enough to handle. If you are not using them right away, they can be refrigerated.
When you hard boil eggs, Try the following method:
- Use eggs that are fresh, preferably organic or from grain-fed hens.
- Always handle eggs delicately.
- Let you eggs warm to warm temperature before cooking.
- Try simmering instead of using a hard boil.
- Don't use too many eggs in one pan.
- Lower the eggs into the pan with a slotted spoon.
- Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water.