Deviled Eggs

I like deviled eggs, but I've never made them. In spite of this fact, my mother still thinks I need a deviled egg tray.

Every summer we have a Fourth of July party at Mom and Dad's house. The menu rarely changes, but Mom excitedly reminds us that she's made her potato salad, her baked beans and as an extra special treat she sings, "And I'm making deviled eh-eggs!" 

The Potato Salad
When I was pregnant with all three boys I begged Mom to make her potato salad. She puts lots of hard-boiled eggs, celery, pickles and just the right amount of mayo. It's not too goopy. Forget prenatal vitamins, just eat Mom's potato salad.

The Baked Beans
Her baked beans are equally delicious. As a young working woman in my early 20s, I was deemed the "Bean Queen" at my office potlucks because I always brought a Crock-Pot of baked beans to share. It was the only food item I knew how to prepare and transport that would feed a large group, thanks to my mother. Brownies, cookies and chips were usually cherry-picked before the potluck sign-up sheet hit my desk. Dumb men.

The Deviled Eggs
Mom's deviled eggs are fine. There are foods I prefer, but a deviled egg hits the spot once in a while. Having been raised in the Midwest, I don't think there was ever a family gathering, picnic or holiday without a beautifully garnished deviled egg tray. I don't recall one person's recipe out-shining another. The eggs were always dusted with paprika and sprigs of parsley completed the egg tray presentation.

July 4th 2008...
...Mom and I were working in the kitchen. It was late enough in the afternoon that she'd already asked me, "Are you ready for a little wine?" I was. We sipped wine and clanked around the kitchen as we rearranged food, moving it from platter to bowl, seeking the just right serving piece for each snack and hors d'oeuvres. She was ready to plate the deviled eggs.

"Look at my new deviled egg tray. It's even shaped like an egg!"

"Neat, Mom."

"Do you have a deviled egg tray?"

"No. I've never made deviled eggs."

"You've NEVER made deviled eggs? It's really easy. You should make them."

"My life's different than your's. I can't think of a single place or event I've been in recent years where I would have brought deviled eggs."

"Because you don't have a tray. You need to get a tray."

My Plan
While reading cookbooks recently, I found a simple deviled egg recipe that uses curry powder and capers, two of my favorite ingredients. Mom and Dad travel from Arizona to Utah every year to spend Christmas with us. They usually arrive on my mother's birthday, December 22nd. As a gift to Mom I'm going to prepare the special curry/caper recipe and sing, "I've made deviled eh-eggs," as they walk through the door. And I'll find a way to serve them on a regular plate. Although it's possible Mom's gift to me will be an egg tray...because I need one.

A glimpse of Mom and me at work in the kitchen last Christmas...

Cooking With Mom - Christmas '08 from Chris Ross on Vimeo.

Photo courtesy of Google Images.

Comments

[Robin Larraza]

Loved it!

[slouching mom]

how cute is that? a deviled egg tray!

i am inordinately fond of deviled eggs. which is not good, because they're reeeeeeally unhealthy.

[christy]

Oh my god I want to see more videos! You and your mom are so freaking cute. That itch! The 'noooo' at the same time Re: the smoke alarm. So funny. And that does look delicious.

Okay, I LOVE deviled eggs and I have a really simple recipe. If you have time, give this one a try too. No capers, but I swear they're good. (I have not one, but two deviled egg trays; if you lived within driving distance I'd totally loan you one so you could bowl your mom over when she walks in the door this year!hehe!) http://alilmorewelshrarebit.blogspot.com/2009/02/simple-and-delicious-deviled-eggs.html

[pam]

I love your blogs! I can literally hear your mom sing "deviled eh-eggs"!!! Moms are so funny! Oh yeah, we're moms........ !!

[tysdaddy]

I am SO coming to your house for Christmas this year. There will be six of us, plus the dog. We don't mind paper plates . . . and I am going to eat your deviled eggs, my friend. Do post or send me the recipe!

[Mrs. D]

I hope they turn out well, they do sound good but I just cannot fathom a "fancy" deviled egg. My grandma's are THE best; mayo, mustard, a dash of sugar, sweet pickle juice, and the yolk thing. Mmmmmm! We are BIG deviled egg eaters in our family.

[Nikki Krause]

I am a deviled egg FIEND!! If someone brings 2 dozen, I usually eat about 6. No kidding. I'm a pig. My Mom makes the BEST deviled eggs from a recipe she got from a friend who lived in Pakistan. After I proclaimed that they were the best eggs everrrr, she told me what was in them & I just stood there with my mouth open. Of course I shoved another egg in it but....honey and jalapenos?? What? It works though. They're called Sialkot Deviled Eggs from the region of Pakistan. Anyone out there in Chrisyland, let me know if you want the recipe. Trust me on this, you won't be disappointed!! <3 to all!

[Kate Coveny Hood]

I'm not a deviled egg fan...but I'll take some of that beef wellington! You two are adorable.

[Chris]

Thanks for the recipe, Christy. I'll have to check it out. And if you lived within driving distance, I'd totally borrow one of your trays!

[Chris]

Funny how that works... the "we're moms" also part.

[Chris]

I'd like the recipe, Nikki! I can't say "Sialkot", but I'll sure try to make them. I love a little spice and heat in my food. They sound amazing!

[Chris]

I think we're going to make beef wellington again this Christmas. We might fiddle with the sides... but not the wine.

[Chris]

I'll send the recipe to you. After your mention of the deviled eggs your mother made you for your birthday... well, you know. If you and your family ever make it to Utah, you BETTER come to our house!

[Jannie Funster]

Deny oxygen to fire yes, whenst desiring that fire be put out.

I LOVE devilled eh-eggs. LOVE THEM WITH A FREAKING!!!! PASSION. The trick is a little hot sauce in the filling. Teeny teeny minced onion. Garlic powder, but only the most flour-like consistency kind. Hellman's original. Dry mustard too, of course. And paprika sprinkled delightfully on top with nonchalant precision -- gotta have that. Yes, I actually do have a devilled egg tray! One with pictures of bunnies and goats in lingerie on it.

[Lady Fi]

Oh gosh.. I'm not even sure I know what a devilled eh-egg is! But I can hear your mum singing about them anyway!

[Anastasia]

I loved the video with your mom. You guys are so cute.

And then I watched your the video "snippets of oldest boy" and cried like a baby (no joke...tears streaming down my face) thinking of my boys when they were babies and how I love them more than I ever thought I could love anything or anyone in this world.

Your boys are beautiful as are you!

:)

[Da Goddess]

It matters not if you needs something or don't. Once a mother determines it's needed, you end up with it. And you know what? That's kind of sweet. (It's also how I ended up with a ginormous crock pot, which I really love.)

[Cheri @ Blog This Mom!]

At least it wasn't a "bad" place to have a little itch . . .

I'm all weepy. What a blessing to have a mom like her. Also? We (and I'm speaking for your readers, now) would like the recipes.

[V-Grrrl at Compost Studios]

Yes, deviled eggs are Southern favorite, and a lifetime ago I used to make them for church suppers and receptions and serve them on my lovely deviled egg plate after storing and transporting them in my special Rubbermaid deviled egg container.

My kids would see me making deviled eggs and say, "Did somebody die?" because I ALWAYS made them for funerals.

During the great downsizing preceding my move to Europe, I sent my deviled egg plate and boxes to Goodwill. I have not made them since.

[BK]

I'm sure your Mom is going to be really happy this Christmas with your deviled eh-eggs. :)

[Deidre]

Seriously, you two are adorable. I am with the others - I want more videos...

I've never eaten a deviled eh-egg, but I am not a big fan of eggs in general.

[vodkamom]

Just for your info- I make KICK ASS deviled eggs.

I'm just sayin'.



:-)

[Connie Weiss]

I can't watch the video right now....I'm in Denver and I"m watching a movie with the in laws.

I love Deviled eggs...and I've ALWAYS wanted an egg tray.

I can't wait to hear how your Mom loved the eggs.

[The Demigod]

Every time I make deviled eggs I have the strong compulsion to serve angel food cake for dessert. Yes, I am strange, BB. Le Sigh.

Now to figure out a way to Fedex you a deviled egg tray as a Christmas gift this year...

*cue sinister laugh

[Muskrat]

I love these! I feel like I'm being healthy when I eat them, too, which makes it even better.

[Kelly]

Lol, I love your egg approach but will say on behalf of mid-western heritage that 'capers' tend to take some of the 'evil' out of the 'devil' in the eggs. Lovely for us yuppy food channel types but...potentially counter to the ranch dressing and jello salad energy that exists at these events....love it.

[Alix]

You had me at Deviled Eggs, but THAT VIDEO!!!!!!! C'mon Julia... how'd you manage to pull off a Beef Wellington and a Flambe and still have your wits about you. You know that kitchen is to die for, right? My dream kitchen and I don't even cook like you. Dang. I'm salivating.

Good show. I'm going back to watch the video again, you cooking rock star, you.