I am a sucker for a good, soft-cooked egg. I could eat one every morning. Soft-boiled, over easy, I’ve mastered these techniques. But poaching was not a part of my regular repertoire — the free-form simmering water technique is beyond me, and I didn’t want to add an electric egg poacher to my already overextended appliance supply.
Then I met these cute, colorful and compact poaching cups.
How it works: Boil water — a small amount, about a half-inch deep in a small pot — then reduce to a simmer. Spray a cup generously with vegetable oil (I’ve found this works better than brushing with oil). Crack an egg into the cup. Lower the cup into the water; cover and cook five minutes or so, until the egg is as firm as you like it.
When you lift the lid off the pot, tip it back so none of the condensed steam drips onto your egg. Remove the cup, loosen the edges around the egg with a spoon and tip out your perfectly poached egg.
The “petals” around the cup give you something to grab as you lower and lift the cup. I use my fingers, but if you’re heat-sensitive you might use a spoon or tongs, or let the steam subside before you take out the cup.
Manufacturer: Mine are from Kosy, but almost identical products are made by a myriad other companies.
Cost and availability: Again, this varies, from $6 to $15, normally for a set of four. Easy to find from online sources. Locally, various types are sometimes available at Bed, Bath & Beyond and the Compleat Kitchen.
Does it work? Yes, but not magically. It took me several tries to get it right.
Pros: Easy to clean and store — they turn inside-out and can pack flat. Plus, the cups are multipurpose. They are great as prep bowls or for serving snacks to kids (they’re unbreakable). A rim at the bottom of each cup keeps them from tipping.
Cons: If you don’t rinse them well, your eggs could taste soapy.
Worth it? If you love poached eggs and can find the cups in the lower price range, yes, especially considering their multipurpose nature.
Got a gadget that you love? Or are you curious about one you’d like us to test? Email crave@staradvertiser.com or write Crave, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza Suite 210, Honolulu 96813.
