Epicurean Deviled Eggs Recipes

THE BEST DEVILED EGGS

Steps:

• Place the eggs in a single layer in a wide saucepan, cover with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool completely, then carefully peel them.
• Dip a clean kitchen towel in a small bowl of warm water. Wipe the blade of your knife with the towel to warm it up and to wet the blade. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise, one at a time, wiping the blade clean between each egg. (The warm, wet blade will give you clean cuts.) Remove the yolks to a medium bowl. Mash the yolks with a whisk. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce if using and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until very smooth. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag or disposable pastry bag and snip off one corner with scissors.
• Place the egg whites on a platter. Pipe the filling evenly into the egg whites. Top with chives and a sprinkle of paprika. Refrigerate for 20 to 25 minutes prior to serving.

LABNE DEVILED EGGS WITH PAPRIKA AND GINGER

Steps:

• To make the spice blend:
• Finely grind the mustard seeds and peppercorns together and immediately mix with the ajowan, paprika, and ginger.
• To make the deviled eggs:
• Put the eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat and then remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes.
• Tilting the saucepan, pour out the hot water, holding back the eggs with a slotted spoon. Run cold water into the saucepan until it is cold. Cover the eggs with cold water and let sit until the eggs are completely cold. Carefully peel the eggs and cut each in half lengthwise. To get clean cuts, use a very sharp knife and wipe the blade between each cut.
• Pop out the yolks and place them in a medium bowl, and set the whites on a cutting board. Smash the yolks with a fork until crumbly and add the labne, oil, 1 ¼ teaspoons of the spice blend, and a pinch of salt. Mash and stir until smooth. Season to taste with salt.
• Rub some of the remaining spice blend all over the cut sides and cavities of the egg whites to coat and set them cut-side up on a serving plate. Divide the yolk mixture among the cavities and sprinkle with any remaining spice blend.
• Do Ahead: The deviled eggs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days.

HERB DEVILED EGGS

Steps:

• Place the eggs in a saucepan with enough water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a low boil over medium-high heat. As soon as the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat, cover, and let the eggs sit in the water for about 10 minutes longer.
• Drain the eggs, rinse under cold running water, gently crack the shells, and let sit in cold or ice water until completely cool. Remove the eggs from the water and carefully remove the shells. Place on a paper towel to drain.
• Cut the eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop the yolks into a medium bowl, being careful to keep the whites intact. Place the whites on a plate and set aside.
• Add the mayonnaise, minced pickles, mustard, vinegar, dill, chives, cayenne, and salt and black pepper to taste to the egg yolks and mash with a fork to form a smooth paste.
• Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the yolk mixture back into each egg half and refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve, or for several hours.
• Top each egg with a thin slice of pickle and a sprinkling of fresh dill or chives and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired, just before serving.