by Nikki Rafferty

Cooking eggs seems like a simple task, but with so many different ways to cook them, it can be overwhelming to try out new recipes. Many people just stick to one way of making eggs, but this list can help broaden your egg-cooking horizons. First, let’s go over some basic ways to make your eggs.

Boiled Eggs: In a small pot, bring water to a boil. When boiling, add eggs to water. For soft boiled eggs, cook for 6 minutes. For hard boiled eggs, cook for 9 minutes. When done cooking, put eggs in a separate bowl with water and ice to stop the cooking process. 

Eggs Over Easy: Heat pan over medium heat. Add butter or a splash of your favorite cooking oil to the pan. Crack the eggs into the pan, and let them cook for 2 minutes or until the whites are firm. Flip the eggs with a spatula and let the other side cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Fried Eggs: Using a skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil. When hot, crack eggs into the oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the yolk is as firm as you desire. 

Poached Eggs: Bring water to a boil in a small pot. When boiling, turn down the heat to medium and add a dash of salt. Using a spoon, swirl the water until it looks like a small tornado and one at a time add a cracked egg into the center of the vortex. Cook for about 3 minutes.

Scrambled Eggs: Heat your pan to medium heat. Add butter or some kind of cooking oil. Crack your desired amount of eggs into the pan and stir continuously. Take the pan off of the heat just before you think the eggs are done cooking, they will finish cooking off the heat. Add spices at the very end before serving.

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Use these basic methods to expand your cooking and combine eggs with other foods. Here are two great recipes that use eggs to spice up their basic flavors.

Tomato-Poached Egg Toast: In a small pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil to medium heat. Add one can of diced tomatoes to the pot and bring to a boil. When boiling, use a ladle to create a divet in the tomatoes and drop a cracked egg into the hole. Repeat this with as many eggs as you desire. Cover the pot with a lid and let cook for 7-9 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. While the eggs are cooking, make a piece of toast for every egg in the pot. Put the cooked eggs with some tomatoes on each piece of toast. Top with parmesan cheese, basil, salt and pepper. 

Egg and Avocado Toast: Fry an egg. While the egg is frying, make a piece of toast. Mash an avocado and spread it on the piece of toast. When the egg is done frying, place it on the avocado toast. Top with ‘Everything But the Bagel’ seasoning.