They get upset if I don't bring these to the party, the family gathering, the cookout, the picnic or wherever else we get together. "Dale, did you bring them?" They know the answer because they know I like to make them happy! They know that I make these with care.

I learned that deviled eggs are a Southern staple when I first moved to Mississippi. Everybody has a signature recipe that they swear by and there are a multitude of ingredients, toppings and ways to prepare them. All are delicious but honestly, I prefer mine quite simple. A touch of peppery watercress, great smoked paprika and high quality Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayonnaise all come together to make simple taste absolutely delicious!

I've used Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayonnaise for the last few years now, and what drew me to it was the perfect tanginess and creamy consistency. It reminds me of one that I grew up enjoying in my home country, so once I discovered it here I never looked back.

I will be travelling to South Africa soon and thought I'd have a small gathering with family here before we leave. Of course I have to make these, and while I'm at it I could share a few Deviled Egg tips and tricks that I've learned along the way!

If you can use an electric pressure cooker I highly recommend it. Not only can you boil eggs perfectly within 3 minutes, the shells slide right off once you crack them. If you prefer to go the conventional route, bring your water to a boil before carefully lowering eggs in with a slotted spoon. The sudden heat will shock the lining away from the shell, making it easier to peel after they are cooked. Now lower the heat and simmer for 12 minutes. For hard boiled eggs cooked this way I recommend you set a timer so that you don't go over.

Once your eggs are cooked remove them from the heat, drain the hot water out, place the pot in the sink and run cold water over the eggs until the shells are cold to the touch. Your eggs will be perfect and ready to slice or store them whole in an airtight container until ready to prepare.

If you can:

1. Wear food safe gloves to minimize the amount of time spent touching the eggs. I think people are often turned off by deviled eggs because they are labor intensive and therefore need to be picked up and put back quite a bit. My family knows that I do this and it's nice to know they feel comfortable eating what I have prepared.

2. Use a very sharp knife and carefully wipe the blade after slicing into each egg. In doing so, you wipe away any yolk that may have stayed behind on the knife and that may discolor the whites of your next egg.

3. Place a paper towel at the bottom of your plate. Eggs are so slippery! Use a paper towel to prevent them from sliding around and potentially fall to the floor. Both when you are removing the yolks and piping the filling back in.

4. Work as quickly as you can. Pre-measure your other ingredients ahead of time so that the eggs and yolks remain cold during the assembly process. I have found that cold yolks are easier to pipe and keep their shape better.

Ingredients:

6 hard boiled eggs

1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper (or cayenne pepper)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 scant teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon finely chopped watercress

2-3 tablespoons Sir Kensington's Avocado Oil Mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Sir Kensington's Dijon Mustard

Method:

Slice each egg in half and remove the yolks. Set the egg whites aside.

Add the egg yolks and all other ingredients to a small bowl and mash with a fork until the mixture is smooth in consistency. Scoop the mixture into a piping bag with a star tip attached. Pipe 1 tablespoon of yolk mixture into each egg white half and garnish with fresh watercress or herbs of your choice. I like to sprinkle just a touch of black pepper and paprika on each one right before serving.

Makes 12 halves.

This post is sponsored by Sir Kensington's. Thank you for supporting the amazing brands that I love!