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I have a Caesar recipe that calls for 2 egg yolks from coddled eggs. It prescribes submersing the eggs in near boiling water for just under a minute. This is in contrast to merely separating the eggs.

When I separate these eggs from the coddling process, the only thing I notice different from separating a cold egg is it's warmer, some of the white has started to cook, and they seem to separate easier. The yolk also seems more durable, but not overly so.

So what is the science behind a coddled egg for a recipe like this? Or is it merely to make the separating process easier?

John Livermore
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    Interesting, never heard the word before (not a native speaker). Is "coddling" the "submersing the eggs in near boiling water for just under a minute"? – Willem van Rumpt Sep 20 '16 at 16:45
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    @WillemvanRumpt Yes. – Joe M Sep 20 '16 at 18:25
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    @WillemvanRumpt: The word is most commonly used in English in a metaphorical sense: to treat someone very gently, in particular when they might deserve harsher treatment, is to "coddle". – Eric Lippert Sep 20 '16 at 20:57

1 Answers1

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Eggs are coddled for a Caesar dressing in order to make the yolk slightly thicker. This in turn allows for a slightly thicker dressing. From your description, it sounds like you are doing it perfectly!

Cindy
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