My new Oster 4716 Egg Cooker
arrived this morning just in time for brunch. I hadn't had my coffee yet so my brain was a bit foggy but I was able to follow the simple instructions and get some eggs started in it.When I was in my early 20s, I learned how to make hard-cooked eggs using Julia Child's method from her book, "The Way To Cook". I strayed from her method once and learned my lesson by biting into a rubbery egg. It's fair to say that I'm very picky about how my eggs turn out. I wanted an egg cooker that would save me money on my propane bill, make an easier job of clean up, and save me time and effort in the kitchen. This little egg cooker had to withstand my scrutiny in order to stay in my kitchen.
First I hard-cooked 8 eggs, which took 15 minutes. Since I had let them age 1 1/2 weeks, they were a cinch to peel. Then I bit into one and was delighted to discover that the yolk was absolutely perfect--still very soft but not runny! The whites were soft, not rubbery!Next I wanted to try the poaching feature. The egg cooker can poach 4 eggs at a time, but since I was just cooking for myself I only made two. I placed them opposite of each other to facilitate better heat circulation.
The eggs fit just right in the little non-stick cups. I watched them as they poached and it was actually fun to watch them. (I know, I need to get out more!) While they cooked I toasted up some of my honey oatmeal bread that I just baked yesterday. When the eggs were done, I slipped them out of the cups onto the buttered toast.
What I tasted surpassed my expectations. The whites were delicate and since they were cooked without butter I could taste egg, and nothing but egg. Fantastic! The yolks were soft set with just enough liquid to smear around on the toast.I'm happy to say that the little egg cooker takes up very little space next to my cookbooks. It's definitely going to stay in my kitchen!
Here's a short video of the egg cooker in action.
I'll be right over...put a few more eggs in the poaching tray and bread in the toaster. I cannot think of anything that could surpass poached eggs for breakfast or any meal for that matter. The other great consideration about using your egg cooker for poaching is that you won't have to blot the eggs dry before eating them. Simplicity.
ReplyDeleteCome on over Jane! You are right about not having to blot the eggs before serving, a bonus I had not thought of!
ReplyDeleteAmy, I may have to get one of those as I have never been able to make a decent poached egg. It's amazing that the eggs were perfectly hard-boiled when the water doesn't completely surround them, or does it? I couldn't really tell on the video. Ummm, I can taste that eggs benedict already!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever tried dunking steamed asparagus in a soft-boiled egg? It's divine.
I fix eggs various ways too but my favorite to eat 'em is over-easy which I just can't nail getting the crispy egg whites like you'd get 'em at the all-night diner. Any hints?
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say that I'm uber jealous of all your new appliances of late. I'm begging Ian for an ice cream maker and maybe this egg cooker too!
ReplyDeleteSusan, the eggs are effectively steamed since they aren't submersed in the water. The water bubbles up all around them. I have an asparagus patch planted and this year I should be able to harvest some. I will definitely try some with poached eggs!
ReplyDeleteJoanna, yes, buy a flat top. OK, that's not helpful. I'd use a griddle, crepe pan or a good, old cast iron skillet--something heavy that really holds the heat without overcooking the eggs, since the rule with eggs is "low and slow". I would also fry the eggs in butter. It's hard to find something to simulate the heat of flat top griddle but medium flame under a heavy pan should get pretty close to it. Definitely wait until the butter foams and then settles before adding the eggs.
Shell, I might seem like a gadget collector, but honestly I'm not. If something doesn't pass muster in my kitchen I gift it to someone else. I have limited space so things must work as advertised! Definitely get the ice cream maker though. You'll love that!
We also use the Julia Child recipe for hard boiled eggs. We tried a different recipe once and never again!
ReplyDeleteChristy, Julia Child was the best cook. I have lost my cookbook somewhere along the way but I vow to replace my copy of "The Way To Cook". Her methods can't be beat. She was one of the masters.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I see one of these. I like it!!
ReplyDeleteLooks yummy! The color of your yolks are so pretty...mine have eaten all their grass(not very orange yolks anymore), and have been locked up tight in their yard since an owl took out one of my hens while they were free ranging :(
ReplyDeleteKim, It's kinda fun too! LOL
ReplyDeleteAngie, We're just starting to get green grass again and the chooks are laying flavorful eggs once again. Hurray! Sorry to hear about your loss. How sad! It seem everyone loves chicken.
Darn! There ya go again making me hungry...and making me want to run out and buy me a new applance! lol!
ReplyDeleteI love me some dippy eggs. Those poached eggs look scrumptious especially on your fresh bread. :)
~Lisa
Looks like a great investment.
ReplyDeleteYumm...now I want one! Why is it when I leave your blog I'm always starving???? hmmmm
ReplyDeleteYummy looking breakfast! It's a wonder you don't have people storming your door! Did you ever think of operating a Bed n'Breakfast?
ReplyDeleteLove your hens! Decided to follow your blog - nicely written!
ReplyDeleteI love new gadgets! Those eggs turned out so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love your pond pic at the top.
Oh I love mine, Amy. I have the Salton one in the shape of a hen (I think it's even named "Henrietta"!) And it's so nice because in the morning you can get it set up and just walk away from it and the little beeper will let you know when they're done! EEE-Z!
ReplyDeleteAren't eggs just nature's greatest gift? I have eggs for dinner almost every night. They're a great source of protein and you can cook them about 1000 different ways... but poached will always be my favourite.
ReplyDeleteMmmm, those eggs looked perfectly done! Send some over please, lol x
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