What Can I Do with an Egg?

What can you do with an egg?

There are so many different ways that people like to have their eggs, but when we are regarding a fried egg, there is a "best" way to cook it.

Now doesn't it sound odd that there is actually a best way to fry eggs? Yes it is odd because it may be seem like such a simple task. However, frying an egg is a art when done correctly. Before one starts to fry, there are many factors that go into frying an egg.

The Pan, Oil, and Temperature

The pan is the single most important thing that goes into frying an egg. There are 3 basic pans which is the stainless steel, non stick, and cast iron. For cooks who are experienced, the stainless steel pan is the best option. Why? This is because of the perfect temperature control that is needed for the perfect slight crust at the bottom of a sunny side up egg or over easy egg. The temperature control that is needed is between the oil and the pan. The oil should have a high smoke point with a neutral flavor profile. Neutral flavor oils with high smoke points can be oils such as canola, ground nut, and grape seed oil. When the oil in placed in the pan, the flame of the stove should be mid temperature and oil should be room temperature. The oil should not smoke on impact of the pan and one way to test the best temperature is by placing 1/2 a tsp of water in the pan. If the water forms a marble like ball and bounces and slides in the pan, the pan is ready for the oil. The oil should be placed in the oil and should be followed with the egg which should also be room temperature (not to be stored room temperature). One the egg hits the pan, the pan should be able to create a slight crust on the bottom of the egg while creating a non stick surface. The egg will cook to perfection with a slight savory and nutty flavor from the mallard reaction.

An egg in a stainless steel pan is likely to stick if not placed in proper temperatures

An example of the water ball called the Leidenfrost effect

Next time we will look at how to create the perfect not crusted egg, but until then keep trying to create that perfect egg!

Food Starting with the Egg

The Importance of Food

Every day we go about our lives never really thinking about the importance of food. However when you stop to look around and see the many types of food, we have to surely wonder what makes every food different. The answer is culture. Culture is the reason we have such a wide variety of food within our cities and towns. Some cities within the United States can have food ranging from Korean to Greek and even to Lebanese food. All foods are different, but the greatest thing about food is that it can be shared without a word. All we need to do is sit down at a table and share and within minutes you should see laughing with smiles all around. This is the beauty of food and I hope to introduce what food means to me.

The Egg

From a young boy, I was astonished by the cracking of an egg and how it transforms from translucent to solid white. It was intriguing to see such a perfect circle from the yolk and the vibrant yellow color. At this moment I knew food is just more than meets the eye. It reaches all subjects of art, science, and even culture. Think about it… Where are chickens raised? The answer is everywhere! Wherever chicken are there are eggs and wherever eggs are there must be some kind of food. For example, eggs in Korea are the perfect supplementation a bowl of Bibimbab and blends well within a Pollack soup. However in a different country such as Mexico, it can be used in Huevos Racheros which is a delicious combination of tortilla, egg and ahi (salsa). There are so many cultures of food and a food type such as egg is a perfect example. 

 

As we continue in our journey, I hope to share the many amusements of food and how food can truly change the world!