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PoachPod: Silicone Egg Poachers

2007_01_26_eggpoacher.JPGThere's more than one way to poach an egg, that's for sure.

I'm still practicing the whirlpool method, but I took a crack at these silicone PoachPods ($9.95, Amazon.com) from Lamson & Goodnow.

 
 

I agree with the recent thumbs-up from The New York Times(subscription required). The eggs come up from the water with a rich flavor since hardly any poaching water mixes in to them.

I made a simple supper by tossing baby arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper and then broke two poached eggs on top, served with sides of blood orange slices and wheat toast.

Poaching in the pod means you must use a pot with a lid. Since silicone doesn't allow much heat through, the egg is "poached" by both steam and the surrounding water.

I cracked my eggs into the pods and floated them in boiling water for just under six minutes. I wish the package offered better instructions on how to pull the pods out of hot water. Using a ladle works best.

While some users report that the pods do not need to be greased, I disagree. I found that buttering the inside of the pod made it much easier to spoon the egg out in one piece. "Silicone is not Teflon," as The Times piece said.

The PoachPod is certainly not a must-have, but is fun to experiment with. One cook said to use the PoachPod as a mini-double boiler for chocolate. The manufacture also suggests using them for flan, frittata and other baked goods, but the $5 a pop pods do not have a flat bottom so this doesn't seem like a great suggestion.

Until I master the whirlpool method, the Poach Pod is a suitable flotation device.

Comments (10)

here's my egg poaching method: bring liquid to a strong simmer. prick a hole in the big end of the egg using a pin. lower uncracked egg into the water. count to 10. this sets the egg slightly. remove the egg using a slotted spoon & crack the egg into a small cup (i use a metal condiment cup) and slip it into the water. lower the heat slightly and cook until done. i like just under 3 minutes for a set but still runny yolk. no pods, no whirlpool, no vinegar.

posted by abby on 2007-01-26 15:10:45

I have been making poached eggs the old fashioned way for years just crack the egg in a shallow pan of boiling water let cook til boil again then remove from heat til correct amount of doneness for your preference. I do not think you need gadgets!

posted by Maureen on 2007-01-26 20:18:53

Cool culinary gizmo!
Thanks Abby and Maureen... I never seem to get these guys right!

posted by **Terramia** on 2007-01-27 04:21:44

Abby, thanks! I tried your method and, except for a little leakage for one egg, it worked perfectly.

posted by Corey on 2007-01-29 10:35:35

corey,

i find that there's usually two causes of leakage:

i poked too far -- just poke in the big end enough to pierce the shell and pop the air bubble between the membrane & the shell (i use one of those diabetic pins; it just has a short little point)
or
your eggs are a little tired. the older the egg, the more watery the white.

but even with a little leakage, you can always trim those flailing whites before serving, if you're serving poached eggs to company.

posted by abby on 2007-01-29 20:03:49

I've been poaching eggs with a custard cup since I started cooking. My Gran used a buttered teacup. These gismos are cute, but geez - I already have a teacup!

posted by dksbook on 2007-01-31 11:48:44

So sad, though, that the manufacturer reports fabrication problems, and is in the process of finding a new factory. So no availability in the next few months!

posted by Taylor on 2007-01-31 14:48:16

These little pods are AWESOME! If you grease them lightly and place in the shallow pan of boiling water, crack the egg in and season, then boil away for 5 - 5 1/2 minutes you have perfect poached eggs every time. I just pick the pods out of the pan gently by grasping the corners, pour off any tiny drops of water from the surface, then run a knife around the edge and they plop out perfect and round onto the toast or English Muffin. Impress your guests with Eggs Benedict! I have tried many egg poaching tools as this is my preferred method of cooking eggs for breakfast, but nothing compares so far to these pods. They are a snap to clean, and last forever. Well worth the money for the ease of use and consistency of results.

posted by Rebbex on December 26th 2007 at 7:11am
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I just bought these this weekend and am so excited to try them! When I got married, my husband had this really nice set of pans (that I hate, but that's another story) that no metal can come near, so the egg poacher I owned was out. These little babies can't hurt a thing, and I hope to use them all the time!

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