Chef’s Clever Hack for Perfectly Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs

### Step 1: Prepare the Water
1. Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge your eggs.
2. Add **1 teaspoon of baking soda** for every quart (4 cups) of water. Stir to dissolve.

*Pro Tip:* If you’re boiling a dozen eggs or more, make sure your pot is large enough to prevent overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking.

### Step 2: Gently Add the Eggs
1. Carefully place the eggs into the pot using a spoon or ladle to avoid cracking.
2. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

*Why Gentle Matters:* A rolling boil can jostle the eggs too much, increasing the risk of cracks.

### Step 3: Cook the Eggs
1. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
2. Let the eggs simmer for **9–12 minutes**, depending on how firm you like your yolks:
– **9 minutes:** Slightly soft yolk
– **10–11 minutes:** Firm but creamy yolk
– **12 minutes:** Fully set yolk

### Step 4: Cool Down Quickly
1. Transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath (a bowl filled with water and ice cubes). Let them sit for at least **5–10 minutes** until completely cool.
2. Cooling the eggs stops the cooking process and makes them easier to handle.

*Why It’s Important:* Skipping the ice bath can lead to overcooked yolks and makes peeling more difficult.

Step 5: Peel Like a Pro

Continued on the next page