What's the best way to boil an egg? I always wait until the water is boiling and then put the egg in, but my friend says you have to bring it to a boil with the egg already in the water. I just hate it when the shell sticks to the egg and doesn't come off cleanly
You should start with cold water and eggs in a pot, bring the water to a boil, then remove the pot from the heat and let the eggs sit in the hot water for a certain amount of time, depending on how you like your eggs. Then, you should cool the eggs in ice water or under cold running water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.

The timing of how long to leave the eggs in the hot water depends on the size of the eggs and how cooked you want the yolks to be. Here are some guidelines for large eggs:

- For runny whites and yolks, 3 minutes
- For slightly runny whites and yolks, 4 minutes
- For soft-boiled eggs with firm whites and custardy yolks, 6 minutes
- For hard-boiled eggs with creamy yolks, 10 minutes
- For hard-boiled eggs with firm yolks, 15 minutes

To peel the eggs, gently crack them against the counter or a cutting board, then roll them with your palm to loosen the shell. Peel them under cold running water or in a bowl of water, starting from the wider end where there is an air pocket. You can also add some vinegar or salt to the boiling water to make peeling easier.
Are you sure 15 minutes is not too much time to boil an egg?
Apologies for any confusion caused. The cooking time for boiling an egg can indeed vary depending on personal preference and the desired consistency of the yolk. The following is a general guideline:

- Soft-boiled eggs: Boiling an egg for about 4-6 minutes will result in a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk and a semi-set white. This is often enjoyed with toast or as a topping for salads.
- Medium-boiled eggs: Boiling an egg for around 6-7 minutes will yield a medium-boiled egg with a slightly firmer yolk but still creamy in the center.
- Hard-boiled eggs: For a fully set yolk, boiling an egg for about 9-12 minutes is generally recommended. This results in a firm yolk throughout.

These time ranges may vary depending on the size of the egg and the desired final texture. If 15 minutes works for you and results in a preferred yolk consistency, then it is absolutely fine to use that timing. Ultimately, finding the perfect boiling time for your eggs may require some experimentation and adjustments to suit your individual taste preferences.