How do you poach an egg?

[tammybear]

I don't mean like in the microwave. I mean how do you poach one properly in a pan? I've attempted it over and over but it never works properly. Can anyone help? xxx

Small pan of boiling water
Break egg gently into a cup
Make a whirlpool in the water with a spoon
Slide the egg in
Remove it with a slotted spoon after a few minutes.
That's my method...it doesn't look very fine but tastes nice

put a dash of vinegar in the water

I also add a pinch of salt along with the vinegar - water should not be boiling too fast, a gentle simmer is enough.

in a poached egg pan is usually best or you can do a crappy rubbery one in the microwave

And to be totally different.
Large, shallow pan of very fast boiling water (2in deep). No salt, no vinegar. Ensure eggs have not come directly from fridge - leave at room temp for at least 30minutes) Break egg(s)into pan, count to 10 elephants, then turn off gas (remove pan from electric hob as gently as possible. Leave until egg has set to required hardness (about 3 minutes for me)

i will have a go at these, thanks, hopefully it'll work for me but i am a terrible cook

or put the egg in a cup and then put into a pan of boiling water (cup as well). put lid on pan and leave to cook. rub butter or a little oil round cup first to stop egg sticking

I think the room temperature tip is important. And Delia says the eggs should be no more than four days old (how would you KNOW?)