Deviled Eggs

1. Halve hard-cooked eggs lengthwise and remove yolks. Set whites aside. Place yolks in a small bowl; mash with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar; mix well. If desired, season with salt and black pepper. Stuff egg white halves with yolk mixture. Cover and chill until serving time (up to 24 hours). If desired, garnish with paprika or parsley. Makes 12 servings.

Italian

Prepare as directed, except substitute Dijon mustard for yellow; omit vinegar. Stir in 2 Tbsp. each finely chopped prosciutto and grated Parmesan cheese. Top with basil pesto and/or additional prosciutto and Parmesan.

Curry and Crab Deviled Eggs:

Prepare as above, except omit mustard and vinegar. Stir the mayonnaise, 2 tsp. Dijon-style mustard, 1 tsp. snipped fresh chives, and 1/2 tsp. curry powder into mashed yolks; mix well. Fold in 1/4 cup drained, flaked canned crabmeat.

Greek-Style Deviled Eggs:

Prepare as above, except fold 2 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese, 1 Tbsp. finely chopped pitted kalamata olives or other pitted ripe olives, and 2 tsp. snipped fresh oregano into yolk mixture. If desired, season with black pepper.

Chipotle Deviled Eggs:

Prepare as above, except omit mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar. Stir 1/4 cup dairy sour cream, 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion, and 1 teaspoon finely chopped canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into yolk mixture.

To Hard Cook Eggs:

To hard-cook the eggs, place 6 large eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan (do not stack eggs). Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1 inch. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat (water will have large rapidly breaking bubbles). Remove from heat; cover and let stand 15 minutes. Drain. Run cold water over the eggs or place them in ice water until cool enough to handle; drain. To peel eggs, gently tap each egg on the countertop. Roll the egg between the palms of your hands. Peel off the eggshell, starting at the large end.