-
1
Put the eggs in a large wide pot, cover with 1 inch of cool water, and set over medium-high heat.
-
2
Starting with cold water and gently bringing the eggs to a boil will help keep them from cracking.
-
3
Once the water boils, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the eggs sit in the hot water for 15 minutes.
-
4
In the meantime, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl halfway with water and adding a tray of ice cubes.
-
5
The key here is to cool the eggs quickly.
-
6
Why?
-
7
Its the best way to prevent discoloration around the yolk and it makes them easy to peel.
-
8
Using a strainer or slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to the ice bath.
-
9
Allow them to sit in the water for 5 minutes so they are completely cool down to the center.
-
10
Give each egg a few gentle taps on the kitchen counter; you want to crack the shell without damaging the white underneath.
-
11
Gently roll the egg around until the shell has small cracks all over it.
-
12
Peel it off.
-
13
Using a paring knife, carefully trim off the ends of the eggs, so they will stand upright when serving.
-
14
Halve the eggs crosswise (not lengthwise like youre used to seeing) and pop the yolks out and into a food processor.
-
15
Add the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, half of the paprika, the salt, and pepper.
-
16
Puree until completely smooth.
-
17
Spoon the yolk filling into a pastry bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped and pipe into the hollowed egg whites.
-
18
Garnish the eggs with a sprinkle of the remaining paprika and the chives.
-
19
Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered loosely, for up to 1 day.
-
20
Eggs
-
21
Buy local eggs!
-
22
More than ever, farmers markets are selling fresh eggs from heritage chickens.
-
23
Well-treated chickens that spend a lot of time on pasture, getting exercise and fresh air, and eating green vegetables (which makes the yolk a deep orange color) produce tasty eggs year round.
-
24
They often come in a rainbow of shell colors that denote the breed of chicken.
-
25
The yolks of all should be bright orange and the white have body and sit up on itself.
-
26
Pastured eggs may cost more than conventional eggs, but they deliver a lot more pleasure, are better for the environment, and leave you with a cleaner conscience (you would not want to eat most mass-market eggs if you saw how they are produced).
