Deviled eggs for Easter, with flavor variations

April 11, 1:34 PMTampa Ethnic Foods ExaminerDiane Watkins

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Deviled eggs

Now that the nutritionists are allowing that perhaps eggs are a good food after all, we are seeing deviled eggs making a comeback. This old time favorite southern treat is a perfect appetizer or side relish for your next party. Each egg half is one to two bites of savory finger food that is universally well liked and easy to make.

Deviled eggs are an excellent way to use up the older eggs before they reach their expiration date. A fresh egg will not peel well when boiled, but an older egg- one that has been in the refrigerator for a few days will peel perfectly under cold running water.

Cover the eggs with cold water and bring to a boil. When the boiling point is reached, turn the heat down to medium and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool. You can hasten the cooling process by cracking the shells and running cold water over the eggs. Remove the shells under cold running water, rinse off any bits of shell or membrane that may cling to the egg and place on a paper towel to dry.

Traditionally, deviled eggs have been cut lengthwise into two halves, but consider cutting across the egg instead. Trim a thin slice from the end as needed so that it will sit upright without slithering around the dish making a small cup to hold the salad mixture.

Remove the yolks, then mix with other savory ingredients and mayonnaise or butter to moisten, and put back into the egg shells. It is convenient to mix all the ingredients in a plastic bag, then snip off the end of the bag and squirt the egg back into the shells. You can use a pastry tip to achieve a fancy presentation. Garnish with paprika, chopped parsley, or pimento cutouts.

In addition to the conventional egg and pickle mixture, consider stuffing your eggs with chicken, tuna, shrimp, or lobster salad for a new taste sensation and presentation. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Traditional southern style deviled eggs

Avocado stuffed eggs

Chicken salad stuffed eggs