With a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, press a hole in the center of the slice of bread.

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt in the butter {this is important... if the pan is too hot, the bread will burn before the egg is cooked}. When the butter is all spread out, place the piece of bread in the skillet and crack the egg straight into the center of the hole.

Cook until the egg sets a bit on the bottom, 30 to 45 seconds. Sprinkle the egg with salt and pepper. After about a minute, flip it over with a spatula and salt and pepper the other side.

Move the whole piece of toast around the skillet, soaking up all of the butter. Let it cook until the yolk feels soft. Here's the key: golden brown toast, white (not brown/burned) whites, soft unbroken yolk. Perfect!