Recipe: Classic Devilish Eggs

Welcome back! Sorry for the lack of recipes last week; after returning from vacation very late Saturday night, we didn't have enough time to get the recipes posted for the week, so this week, we're sharing 3 great potluck recipes to make up for last week!

Nothing says "potluck" like that old favorite, deviled eggs. Here is a basic recipe that is sure to please, but feel free to get creative and spice it up a little! Add chopped pickles or relish, or garnish with capers for a zesty crunch. Try sprinkling with different spices or herbs such as chili powder, dill, and other garnishes. Make it your own!

This recipe makes 12 deviled egg halves. Boil 12 eggs and double the ingredients for larger gatherings. To keep the eggs from sliding around a platter or plate for serving, cover a platter (with sides) with a layer of dried lentils or other small beans. This makes a pretty presentation and the eggs stay put. You can also nestle them in a bed of lettuce leaves or salad greens.

Classic Devilish Eggs

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6 large eggs
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 Tbsp sour cream
1/2 tsp white or apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp spicy brown mustard
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:

• Prepare hard-boiled eggs: Place eggs in large saucepan filled with cold water. Be sure the water is well up over the eggs. Bring to a full boil, then remove pot from heat, cover pot, and set timer for 13 minutes.
• Meanwhile, fill a bowl with ice and water. When timer goes off, IMMEDIATELY spoon the eggs out into the ice bath and let sit for several minutes until they are cold. Peel eggs by hitting once on the fat end, then rolling around until the shell is entirely cracked. Begin peeling from the fat end down. Rinse and dry the eggs thoroughly.
• Prepare the deviled eggs: Cut the eggs in half lengthwise (from north pole to south pole). Carefully remove the yolks to a bowl, setting the egg whites aside on a platter.
• Into the bowl with the yolks, add the remaining ingredients, mashing together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Spoon the yolk mixture into the hollows in the whites.
• Garnish with fresh dill or parsley sprigs if desired, or sprinkle with paprika. 
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe: Tangy Hot Bacon Spinach Salad

Mmmm....just reading this one will make your mouth water! Tangy vinegar meets the spice of onion and pepper, contrasts with the richness of bacon, and melts into the smoothness of hard boiled eggs, under which the tender bite of fresh spinach provides the perfect foil!  For a truly healthy meal, be sure the eggs and bacon are free-range raised on pasture, and that the spinach is organic - if it's from your own garden, even better!

Tangy Hot Bacon Spinach Salad
(Serves 4.)

(Photo credit: jeffreyw)

Ingredients:

4 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup diced onion
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried well
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
hot pepper flakes or smoked paprika for garnish

Directions: 

• In a skillet, cook bacon pieces until crisp; remove to paper towel to drain.
• In same skillet with bacon drippings, add the onion, cooking until just starting to get translucent, then add the apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine and get brown bacon bits from bottom of skillet.
• Turn heat to simmer, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
• To serve, divide washed spinach between 4 salad plates, immediately drizzle hot dressing from skillet over each serving, tossing slightly.
• Sprinkle bacon pieces over each serving evenly, and finally arrange the egg slices evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle a few hot pepper flakes over each salad or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Cooking Tips for An Easter Dinner That Will Impress Without the Stress

Easter is another one of those days that brings friends and family together. There are many great dishes and plans that can be made for Easter dinner depending on where in the world you may be celebrating. Just remember to try to avoid making plans for Easter dinner that are contingent upon the weather to work because it never seems to do exactly the opposite of what you plan for, no matter where in the country you may be.

A dozen boiled eggs in a saucepan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)With so many dyed eggs around it would be a shame not to incorporate them into the meals that are being prepared for your Easter menu. There are many ways to do that and a favorite in my house is deviled eggs. In addition to deviled eggs which are excellent appetizers, you can also chop the eggs up and include them in potato salad, egg salad, or chicken salad (which also happens to make excellent finger sandwiches for a light appetizer). You may also use boiled eggs in the making of cornbread dressing and/or giblet gravy, which are both popular Easter dishes in some southern states.

The good news is that there are plenty of dishes that go wonderfully well with eggs. If you like ham this is a great dish to serve with dressing, to make ham salad with later, and to simply have along with your favorite egg recipe. Ham is relatively simple to make as the hard part is often waiting on it to be finished. If you want super simplicity the only thing you really need to do to have an excellent ham dinner is pour a can of Coca-Cola over the ham, cover it in aluminum foil, and bake it for the necessary duration. This is really yummy, and it really can't get any easier than that though there are plenty of more complicated ham recipes available.

You will want to offer plenty of side dishes to compliment your main dish. Popular favorites are vegetables, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, dressing, sweet potato casserole, and rolls. These are all relatively simple to prepare, not very time consuming and can also be delegated to guests if you'd like without too terribly much fuss. You'll also want to have a few appetizers on hand for the time before dinner is ready and a couple of desserts for the perfect finish (as if those chocolate bunnies from the Easter basket's are not enough)!

A salad platter. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)For those looking for fare that is a little lighter on Easter, I recommend offering big salads, several different steamed veggies (there should be some good fresh spring greens, asparagus, and the like available right now), and offer fruit as a dessert, as well as a raw veggie platter along with the appetizers. Easter is a day to celebrate and you shouldn't leave family members who are dieting to dread their lack of healthy eating options. You'll also find yourself surprised by those who, given the option, will eat the healthier foods if they are available.

Make sure you offer plenty of drink options as well. If you are hosting Easter dinner at your home, in addition to these cooking ideas I also suggest offering a place for your guests to change clothes if necessary. Many people come wearing their Sunday best and while it was great for church services and photo opportunities they don't often fare too well with gravy, butter, or grass stains.

Of course you could skip all the advice above and go for a down-home hoe down of a barbecue for the Easter holiday that in some parts of the country signals the approach of Spring. If it's warm enough outside, barbecues are often appealing because they limit a good bit of the mess to the great outdoors and give the kids involved a great place to run, play, and let off steam.

Have a very happy Easter, and be sure to check back later this week for some tasty Easter recipe ideas!

Healthy Egg Recipes

So, you’ve heard the good news about eggs? They are no longer on the naughty list. Eggs have many nutritional benefits, and they are super easy to prepare, making them a favorite of bachelors and college students. Include them in your daily diet with these delicious and healthy recipes.

Eggs are not just for the holidays. They can be eaten every day. To their credit, eggs contain protein, healthy fats, low cholesterol, helpful minerals and vitamins. Eating two eggs a day can give you a good start to the day. Adding protein to each meal helps curb the cravings that could otherwise derail your diet. We always recommend using organic eggs, or if you can get them, eggs from pastured poultry - these are the healthiest and contain the most nutrients and good fats. (See bottom of this blog post for more on pastured poultry.)

So, how do you eat eggs? Here are some good basic recipes to get you started.

Image via Wikipedia* Scrambled eggs – Break eggs into a bowl, and beat with a fork until well mixed. Pour into a hot greased skillet, and scramble until you like the doneness of the egg. Eat with a side of whole wheat toast and a piece of fruit.

* Omelet – Who doesn’t like a good omelet? Here are a few pointers. Only use two eggs, unless you're a big eater. Adding a third for density is not necessary. A tablespoon of water in the egg mixture can make it lighter and fluffier so you get a bigger omelet without additional calories. Also, add your favorite healthy ingredients for a more satisfying meal. Try diced tomatoes, onions, green peppers, lean ham or turkey sausage.

* Boiled eggs – They are easy for breakfast on the go. Many kids like them too. Boil several eggs and place them in the fridge. Place them in warm water and peel them for everyone to enjoy at breakfast the next day. Keep the yolks in for added nutritional value!

* Breakfast scramble – Take your eggs to the next level. Combine eggs or egg whites with Canadian bacon cubes, turkey sausage, cheese cubes and onions. Scramble in a pan until the eggs are done. Top with salsa. It’s a twist on regular scrambled eggs.

* Quiche – Combine your love of eggs with a food that can be eaten for lunch. Mix eggs with delicious add-ins like onions, ham and low-fat cheese, milk, and spices, and pour into a lightly baked crust. Bake for 1 hour or until solid in the center. Everyone can create their own favorite quiche recipe for the family.

Image via Wikipedia* Egg salad – This makes a great vegetarian sandwich for lunch. Add light or fat-free mayonnaise and mustard. Place into pita pockets for a quick and less messy sandwich! It is easy to make in a hurry as well. Coarsely chop your eggs and add your condiments. Some people like pickles or relish in their egg salad.

* Deviled eggs – These are great for an appetizer for a party or to have when you want a snack. Combine mustard, low-fat mayonnaise, paprika and boiled egg yolks in a bowl. Spoon it back into each cut boiled egg half. Sprinkle with more paprika.

* Frittata – Whisk your eggs until well blended. Add them to a heated skillet. Add your favorite toppings like chopped veggies or fresh herbs. Cook covered in the skillet until the eggs are set and done, or if it is very thick, finish under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Slide the frittata out of the pan onto your plate.

Yum!  Tasty, healthy, and filling - you can't ask for much more.