Turmeric Chives Chipotle Deviled Eggs

As a child, deviled eggs were one of my favorite picnic items on the fourth of July. As an adult, I appreciate the traditional seasonal and ritual aspect to food, and make deviled eggs every year on the fourth. Honestly, I am not especially patriotic, fancying myself an inhabitant of the Earth with all of Life my relations. On the fourth I will be celebrating the interdependence of all Life, and praying for economic, social and political freedom and justice for all People.

Ingredients

• 1 dozen eggs
• 4 Tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1.5 Tablespoons mustard
• 1.5 Teaspoons turmeric
• ½ Teaspoons chipotle powder
• ¼ Teaspoons paprika powder
• Small bundle of chives
• Pinch of salt

I learned this boiled egg technique from my sister in law, Lisa, during one of our summer beach trips, with hard-boiled eggs easily satisfying the ever-present hunger of three active toddlers. When chickens have free range of pasture, and can access their natural diet of wild plants and grubs, their eggs are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs are also a good quality source of affordable local easy-to-assimilate protein  I find the eggs easier to peel than other methods, and it uses less energy.

Place the eggs in a large pot, one layer deep, and cover with water, one inch over the top of the eggs. Bring to a boil; turn off the heat and let sit for 13 minutes. Strain the eggs and place in ice cold water for ten minutes. This will make the eggs easier to peel. Peel the eggs, cut in half and scoop out the yolks.

Add the mayonnaise, mustard, 1-teaspoon turmeric powder, ¼ - teaspoon chipotle powder, pinch of salt, and mix with a fork until smooth. I use a local Ninja Porter mustard, made from local porter by Crooked Condiments.  Any flavorful mustard will enhance the flavor of the eggs.

Place the deviling back in the eggs and garnish with ¼ teaspoon each of the powder of chipotle, paprika, and turmeric. Add less chipotle for a milder flavor, and remember to keep these out of the reach of children. I usually make a version without any chipotle powder for milder palettes, and reserve the spicy version up out of the way for spicy food lovers. Garnish with chive greens and chive flowers if in season.

Turmeric