Spoiler alert! We're discussing minor details about the Elizabeth Holmes documentary "You Can See Everything" (in theaters now).
We get it, no one wants egg on their face.
But among many other things, Elizabeth Holmes is raising eyebrows for her questionable whisking methods in new documentary “You Can See Everything.”
In a now-viral scene from the movie, the ex-Theranos CEO is filmed by the kitchen sink as she’s preparing to cook scrambled eggs. But instead of briskly beating the mixture with a fork, she delicately stirs and almost pokes at the eggs, as if she’s playing with a bowl of alphabet soup.
Her fiancé, Billy Evans, eyes Holmes from the corner of the kitchen, looking visibly agitated and annoyed. Moments later, he impatiently nabs the bowl
from her hands and proceeds to vigorously beat the eggs.
“She, like, does it very lightly,” Evans tells Nathan Fielder, the documentary’s co-director and star. “Really want to make sure that they’re well-stirred.”
The brief but memorable exchange has sparked an impassioned dialogue online, with many viewing Evans’ officious gesture as just another way that he exerts his control over Holmes.
But it’s also ignited a separate conversation: Despite Evans’ numerous relationship red flags, was he actually correct about the proper manner of beating an egg? Or would Holmes’ more lackadaisical approach have actually sufficed?
Looking for answers, we called up Eddy Chavey, owner of Mr. Breakfast, a website dedicated to breakfast recipes, culture and history. While cooking scrambled eggs mid-phone call, Chavey weighed in on the debate ‒ and whether Evans is really a bad egg:
First off, have you seen “You Can See Everything” yet?
No, I’m dying to. I can’t wait to see it. But I know the gist of [the egg scene].
So what are the downsides of beating your eggs like Elizabeth does?
Well, the whole thing about scrambled eggs is you want them fluffy, and the fluffiness comes from the air. You don't have to be super-vigorous about it, but just make sure you get some air in the eggs. I use my whisk in a diagonal [motion] to catch more air.
How will the eggs turn out if you use a slower, gentler technique?
It'll kind of look like you just cracked an egg in the pan and whisked it in there, you know? It's going to be inconsistent; it's not going to have that nice yellow-golden [color].
Is there a possibility of overwhisking eggs?
Just for kicks, I tried once to see what it would be like if I used an electric whisk. The result had a consistent color, but it was kind of porous. It was a little bit spongy.
What are you looking for in a perfect scrambled egg?
Definitely fluffy; fairly large curds; consistent color. I think buttery is an important part of scrambled eggs. Also, real moist. Not super-moist, but definitely no dryness.
So why do you think people are getting so worked up about this scene? Why do folks have such strong feelings about egg preparation?
I’m just imagining that her method seems a bit on the lazy side, right? It doesn't take much effort to make decent scrambled eggs. All you’ve got to do is whisk them, so it just sounds like maybe it’s a little bit on purpose.
Well, I think it’s also sparking strong reactions because Billy steps in and takes over for Elizabeth without even asking. He just grabs the bowl from her. As someone who spends a lot of time in kitchens, is that bad etiquette when you’re cooking with a partner?
I mean, I'd take offense to it. It just sounds bad all around.
How would you recommend Billy have handled the situation instead?
It sounds like he's better at it – well, marginally better. I would suggest that maybe he say, “Hey, darling, could I help you out? I think it’ll help.”
What would you say is the most important rule of cooking with a romantic partner?
Well, I could be all sweet about it, but in our house, it's kind of like: “Get out of my way!” In the most friendly way, though. Offer to help if you can, but for the most part, just let the person who started it do their thing.
Elizabeth is expected to be released from prison in 2030. Do you have any cooking tips for her when she gets out?
My cooking advice is to just be a little more caring. Maybe invest the slightest amount of effort.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Elizabeth Holmes bad at whisking eggs? A breakfast expert weighs in
