Classic egg bedevils every taste

Deviled eggs know no single season or demographic. They are blissfully democratic appetizers.

In the same category as pigs in a blanket: everyone is happy to see them, sophisticated people shed their cool. You can’t be annoyed when there are deviled eggs around; it would be like being irritated in the presence of a puppy or rainbow.

I have added all sorts of extra ingredients to deviled eggs over the years: cumin, goat cheese, avocado, za’atar, lemon, capers. I have topped them with all kinds of extras: minced jalapenos, crumbled cooked bacon (delicious), sprigs of fresh herbs, sesame seeds and so on.

But in the end, we all come back to the basic deviled egg. It’s like how you might admire someone you love all done up in a fancy outfit, but then remember you really like them best in T-shirt and jeans.

In other news, I have finally learned the best way to peel egg shells easily, and also to get a perfectly cooked yolk, without that unattractive green ring. If that’s not a game changer, I don’t know what is.

CLASSIC DEVILED EGGS

• 1 dozen large eggs • 1/3 cup mayonnaise • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard • A few dashes of hot sauce to taste, such as Tabasco or Sriracha • 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • Paprika or minced chives for sprinkling

Boil a large saucepan of water about 3 inches deep (enough to cover the eggs, remembering the water will rise when the eggs are added). One by one, lower the eggs into the boiling water, using a small ladle or tablespoon to place them gently on the bottom of the pot. Allow the water to boil for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat, cover, and let the eggs sit in hot water 10 minutes.

While the eggs are sitting in the hot water, fill a large bowl with water and a copious amount of ice. After 10 minutes, drain the eggs and transfer them to the ice bath for about 10 minutes. Remove them from the ice bath; they will be cooled but not completely. Tap them lightly on the counter in several places, and give them a quick roll to crackle up the shells; then peel carefully. Another tip for easy egg-peeling is to do it while they are submerged in water.

Cut the eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully remove all of the yolks into the bowl of a food processor (or a medium-size mixing bowl), making sure to keep the white parts intact.

Place the whites on a serving platter, scoop side up.

Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, shallot, salt and pepper to the yolks. Pulse the mixture if you want it to be a bit coarse, or let it run if you are looking for super-smooth. Or, if you prefer, mash in a bowl with a fork until smooth and well blended.

For the most elegant deviled eggs, transfer the filling to a pastry bag with a largeopening tip if you have it, and pipe it in decoratively. Or, for a fast, easy and still pretty way to fill deviled eggs, fill a sturdy zipper-top bag with the yolk mixture, cut a small hole in one corner and squeeze the mixture into the whites.

Or simply scoop the filling into the egg whites with a spoon, which is functional and efficient, if not as showy.

Whatever works. Sprinkle the eggs with paprika.You can make these several hours ahead and store them in the fridge loosely covered with plastic wrap.

Katie Workman has written two cookbooks focused on easy, familyfriendly cooking, Dinner Solved! and The Mom 100 Cookbook. She blogs at themom100.com.