Oregano Deviled Eggs

Sometimes, simple really is the best. And wow are these deviled eggs simple. Way back in August, when this blog was just getting started, this entry appeared: http://thebestdeviledeggs.blogspot.com/2007/08/deviled-eggs-way-i-like-them.html We learned then that the complete basic template for deviled eggs always contains sweet pickle relish, and if you feel like something's missing, it's almost always sweet pickle relish. Well today, we create an addendum to that - DRAIN the sweet pickle relish. Otherwise, you run the risk of having runny deviled egg filling, a fate worse than having to listen to a Celine Dion CD.

So here's how I drain sweet pickle relish for deviled egg recipes. Very simply, I wrap paper towel around a small bowl, then place the amount of relish I want to use on the paper towel, hovering over the bowl. The excess liquid drains right out (maybe 3 or 4 minutes) and I just put the relish into my egg yolk mixture! Simple as that!

And this recipe drains the sweet pickle relish. Nice move!

Beyond that, this recipe is basically just oregano. Does it fall flat? No way! Is it complicated? Not on your life! But is it good? Well, yes, in the same sense that the smell in your clothes after a meal at a red-sauce joint is good. That smell is oregano, and these eggs have it.

Here is the recipe:

6 hard-boiled eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, well-drained
1 teaspoon flake oregano
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1. Crumble egg yolks until finely ground.
2. Add mayonnaise, well-drained relish, mustard, oregano, and salt and pepper.
3. Spoon mixture into egg whites.
4. Allow to chill for at least one hour for flavors to blend.


Above: adding the mayonnaise, drained pickle relish, and mustard.

Above: adding the oregano, salt, and pepper

Above: the finished product. Not much to look at, unfortunately.

The taste of these eggs is very good. They are amazingly simple to make. But they just don't look very good. The best deviled egg recipe would include SOME sort of garnish for the top of the eggs. The most pedestrian of these garnishes is paprika, but just NOTHING? What a way to make a great recipe be incomplete. As they say, you eat as much with your eyes as you do with your nose and mouth, and this left my eyes feeling hungry.

Overall: 77 out of 100
Texture: 19 out of 20
Flavor: 17 out of 20
Uniqueness: 15 out of 20 (just 1 unique ingredient makes this score a 15)
Appearance: 7 out of 20
Ease of preparation: 19 out of 20

Comments?