Classic Soft-Boiled Egg with Toast Soldiers

1.Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.

2.Using a spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water to prevent cracking.

3.Set a timer for exactly 5 minutes for a perfectly soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk.

4.While the eggs cook, preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

5.Butter both sides of the bread slices evenly with the softened butter.

6.Cut each slice of bread into 1-inch wide strips, known as 'soldiers'.

7.Place the bread strips in the skillet and toast them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then remove from heat.

8.Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier. Let them sit for 1 minute.

9.Gently tap the top of each egg with a spoon to crack the shell, then carefully remove the top portion of the shell to expose the soft yolk.

10.Place each egg in an egg cup or small bowl, season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

11.Serve the soft-boiled eggs alongside the warm, crispy toast soldiers for dipping.

12.To enjoy, dip the toast soldiers into the runny yolk and savor the comforting combination.