It was one of those rare opportunities to enjoy a meal with family; two of my brothers, my sister and spouses were at our table. Someone came back from refilling their plate and commented that all the devilled eggs were gone. I said that somehow, I had never learned the secret of peeling a hardboiled egg without ruining a few. My brother told us that you need to bring them to a boil, put a lid on and let them sit for about 20 minutes. Then you roll the egg back and forth between your hands, hold it under cold water and that makes it easy to peel.
I guess I missed that cooking tip. I never knew about rolling the egg in your hands. I had the impression that it was news to others at the table as well. To be honest, my solution to the eggs I mess up while peeling is to toss the white; that leaves more cooked yolk to mix in for the stuffing.
Another thing, I was surprised and impressed that Steve knew this secret. I don't remember him cooking when we were growing up -- that was the girls' job (as was doing the dishes) -- but that's another post subject. Maybe he ventured into egg peeling after he married Reba.
Yesterday I made tuna salad and decided to try Steve's recommendation. I cooked the eggs as directed (the same method as I always use) and rolled the first egg between my hands. I must have rolled it too hard, because the shell cracked all over and some of the white was dented and shredded when I pulled it off. I was more gentle with the second two, which led to my usual problem. (I guess I didn't roll hard enough to separate the membrane, which is what Steve said made the egg easy to peel.) With the fourth egg, I reached that point and the egg came out smoothly and easily.
Lesson learned: With peeled eggs as with a lot of things in life, the combination of a "secret" or talent and the willingness to practice the skill brings the best results.
Second lesson learned: You may not know your siblings as well as you think, especially after 40 or 50 years.
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2 comments:
This is a great story and I am glad that you posted some lessons. I love your last post as well...great blog.
Let me tell you one thing I learned about eggs when I became a country girl after being a city girl most of my life. On Saturday mornings I used to take the kids to a nearby farm where we could buy fresh eggs. The farmers wife told me a little secret. Do not use fresh eggs for hard boiled eggs...the shell will stick to the white. Since then I only use eggs that have been in the carton the longest, or near the 'Sell By' date. Hope this works.
Lesson Learned: Always listen to the farmers wife!
Thanks for coming by!! :-)
xoxo
Janie
Janie, thanks so much -- I'm a new fan of your blog as well! I will watch those "sell by" dates from now on!
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