Starting with a pot of cold water, poke a pinhole in the large end (air pocket) of each egg. (this allows for expansion of the egg without cracking …the shell). Place the eggs in the pot, cover it and bring it to a boil. Boil the eggs 3 minutes for soft boiled eggs or 10 minutes for hard boiled. Drain the eggs and immediately cover them with cold running water until they are completely cooled, about 5-10 minutes, if they are to be served cold. If they are to be served hot keep them covered in the hot water.