Poached Eggs

I hear all the time how daunting poached Eggs are, and how they’re only something to make for one person or two, because they take too long to make, but I have news for you. Poached eggs are a snap for a group because they’re actually a great make ahead item. As for daunting technique, don’t be frustrated if you don’t get it the first time. Commit to a dozen eggs and poach until you get two perfect in a row. Once you’ve mastered poached eggs, you’ll always have it. And everyone breaks one now and then, that’s just part of the deal. fresh eggs 1 teaspoon white vinegar small pot of boiling water Place small pot of water on to boil. When the water comes to a boil, add the vinegar to the water and turn down the temperature just a touch. The vinegar helps the egg hold together in a compact shape, without those gross flailing egg tendrils (Thomas Keller soaks his eggs in vinegar ahead of time instead- but he’s doing lots of eggs). Using your spatula or slotted spoon, swirl the water into a vortex. Then drop the egg into the swirling water. Cook 2 minutes. … Continue reading

Assemblage Cooking: Leftover Cornbread and Poached Eggs

Assemblage Cooking: Leftover Cornbread and Poached Eggs is definitely about happy leftovers. Last weekend we had some white bean, jerk turkey, leftover butternut squash chili. Which also meant we had leftover cornbread muffins. Then later this week I threw several dinner parties and just wasn’t up for cooking. It was time for some assemblage cooking. What’s easier than breakfast for dinner? Not much. And breakfast for dinner at our house almost always means poached eggs, because poached eggs are my favorite. Don’t get me wrong, I love eggs generally, but I’m really picky about them being overcooked. Something happens to the white… it changes the taste-? I just don’t like it when it’s overcooked and I swear it’s science, not me. It makes it impossible for me to eat fried or hard boiled eggs when at a restaurant. But poached, oh poached eggs… I can wax rhapsodical about poached eggs. If you find them intimidating, this weekend is the weekend to learn how to make poached eggs. And then you can just poach one and plop it down on salads and grains, turning leftovers into instant fancy meals whilly nilly à la Assemblage Cooking: Leftover Cornbread and Poached Eggs. Trust. … Continue reading