How to Hard Boil Eggs

1 . Stage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. (For 6 eggs, use about 2 quarts water.) Using a slotted spoon or tongs, gently lower eggs, one at a time, into water. Return to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12 minutes.

2 . Stage

A few minutes before eggs are cooked, fill a large bowl with about 2 cups ice and about 3 cups water. Transfer eggs to ice water. Let sit for about 30 seconds. 

3 . Stage

Using the back of a spoon, tap each egg, making sure to tap all over shell. (Alternatively, you can tap and roll the eggs on a counter; keep in mind not to tap the eggs too hard!). Return cracked eggs to ice water and let sit at least 5 minutes. Peel eggs under a thin stream of cool running water.