Trying to figure out when an egg is perfectly boiled stumped even the most seasoned professionals. (“What did other chefs say?” one responded when Real Simple posed the question.) Yes, hard-boiled eggs make a duller sound than fresh eggs do when they’re tapped with a fingernail, but that’s only a sign that they’re cooked. They could very well be overcooked, too, which is apparent only after you peel the shell and see a grayish film surrounding a desert-dry yolk.

This is one case where a precise cooking technique will trump your instincts. For perfect hard-boiled eggs, place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Quickly remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and rinse with cool water. To peel an egg easily, crack the shell by rolling it under your hand on a flat surface.