Simple can be phenomenal. The thought of perfect soft-boiled egg ( runny, rich yolk, sea salt) and generously buttered toast makes my shoulders relax and my mouth water. Relaxation, pleasure and fun (dipping toast into your yolk is fun after all) can be delivered to mom in 10 minutes. Best of all, no clanging pots to wake her from her sleep and barely a dish to find “soaking” in the sink when she finally comes downstairs.
But the key word for soft-boiled egg heaven is “perfect”. Not too loose, not too firm. Let me, soft-boiled egg fanatic, give you the inside scoop.
Take the eggs out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature before cooking them. This helps prevent cracking (less shock of a cold egg hitting hot water).
I never remember to take the eggs out of the fridge in advance, so I put them into a bowl of warm water while I bring a small pot of water to a boil.
Using a pin (a safety-pin from your dry cleaning hanger will work just fine) make a small hole in the bottom of the egg to relieve some of the pressure when it goes into the hot water (another trick to prevent cracking). I admit to skipping this step on regular days but–come on—it’s an occasion.
When your water is boiling add your egg(s) and keep the water at a gentle simmer. You want some bubbles still breaking the top.
Water should cover the whole egg. Do as I say not as I do.
Now set your time for 5 minutes (6 minutes if you want the yolk slightly firming at the edges) and go to work on getting the toast into the toaster (don’t toast it yet though) and butter at ready.
When the timer goes off, drop the eggs into a bowl of cold water to stop their cooking. NOW press the toast down. When done, butter the toast, cut the cap off your egg (be confident with the knife to make the first crack and then gently slide the knife through to the other side, turning the egg upright fast for fear of losing any of the runny yolk.). Sprinkle sea salt on the egg and the toast. Tad-ah! Done.
Bring directly up to mom with a little spoon and a napkin.
Garnish with good coffee.
And gild the lily with a bar of sea salt chocolate. (yes, kind of cliché yet kind of genius at the same time).
Bring it all up, allow for a quick kiss and thank you and then leave her the hell alone.
cheese and toast 