Eggs can be an important part of a real food lifestyle. Quality eggs from free range hens are packed with valuable nutrients such as vitamins A, K, E, D, B-complex and minerals iron, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Choline, also key nutrient found in eggs, is found in every living cell and is a major contributor to optimal brain function. Additionally, eggs are relatively inexpensive so adding them to your diet can offer all of these important nutrients along with important fats and protein. Hard boiling eggs is a common task on Restorative Homestead, especially in the spring and summer months when our hens are at their peak egg laying capacity. We thought we would share some of our favorite ways to dress up hard boiled eggs for a filling snack or appetizer for your next get together.

If you have followed us for awhile, you know we are passionate about sourcing nutrient-dense, real foods as close to their source as possible. It should be discussed that peeling hard-boiled farm-fresh eggs can be a difficult task due to their relatively low albumen ph. If you have an Instant Pot, it is arguably the best method for hard-boiling eggs to perfection. To do this, place the wire rack into the pot. Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the pot. Arrange the eggs in a single layer onto the wire rack. Pressure cook on manual setting for 5 minutes. Immediately release the steam and transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water. The shells will easily slide off of the eggs.

If you do not have an Instant Pot, not to worry, adding a couple teaspoons of baking soda to your cooking water while boiling can help release the eggs shells more effectively from fresh eggs as well as transferring them into a bowl of cool water immediately after cooking.

Classic

6 hard boiled eggs

3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons yellow or dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

garnished with paprika

Avocado

6 hard boiled eggs

1/2 avocado

3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, parsley, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice

salt and pepper to taste

Peppered Bacon

6 hard boiled eggs

3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons spicy or dijon mustard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

salt and pepper

2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as chives, basil, or parsley, minced

garnish with crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs

Chipotle

6 hard boiled eggs

3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons lime juice

1/4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, or to taste

salt and pepper to taste

garnish with a sprinkle of chipotle power and fresh chives

Thai Green Curry

6 hard boiled eggs

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons green curry paste

green sriracha, to taste

2 teaspoons lime juice

1-2 tablespoons cilantro, minced

salt, if needed, to taste

garnish with lime zest and additional cilantro

Method

Slice the hard boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolk to a small bowl with a spoon and place the egg whites on a plate. Mash the yolks with a fork and add the ingredients for each variation. Stir everything together until it is smooth. Use a spoon to add a portion of the deviled egg mixture back into the hole of each egg white. Garnish as directed in each variation. Store covered in the refrigerator.

*Feel free to double or triple these recipes to suit your needs.

**Our homemade recipe for wholesome mayonnaise can be found here.

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