Ingredients:
- 8 eggs, hard-boiled, large
- 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise (can be reduced fat)
- 1-2 teaspoons mustard, prepared, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons chives, very finely minced
- For Cajun-Style Walnut “Crumb” Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked
- 1 heaping cup California walnuts, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (scant measure)
- Few dashes cayenne (optional)
Preparation:
- Peel the eggs, and halve them lengthwise. Pop out the yolks, and transfer to a large dinner plate. Add 2 teaspoons water, and begin to mash with a fork. As you mash, add the mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Continue to mash until very smooth. Alternatively, use a food processor.
- Carefully and slowly, use 2 teaspoons to fill each egg white cavity with the filling, distributed evenly among them. Lavishly sprinkle the topping all over the filled eggs, and serve cold or cool – plain, on toast, or on a salad.
For Cajun-Style Walnut “Crumb” Topping
- Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat. When it is warm, add the spices and stir until they are completely coated.
- Add the walnuts and salt, and keep stirring until everything is evenly distributed.
Stir and cook over medium-low heat for another 5 to 8 minutes or so (until the walnuts are toasty). Be careful not to burn them!
- Stir in cayenne to taste, if desired, and remove from heat. When cool, store in a tightly closed jar in the refrigerator until use.
