PERFECTLY POACHED

Methods abound, but we swear by this one. A dash of white wine vinegar in the pan will help the egg white cling to the yolk.

Bring a medium pan of water to boil, add a dash of white wine vinegar and turn down to simmer. Crack a chilled egg (the fresher the better) into a cup or ramekin. Swirl the water in the pan to create a whirlpool, then carefully tip in the egg. Repeat with another egg. Simmer gently for 3-4min until whites are set and yolk remains soft (lift egg out with a slotted spoon and gently prod to check). Use immediately or transfer to a shallow dish of warm water while you repeat with more eggs, as needed.