Deviled Eggs are delicious.

I don't know why I always thought of them as a "grandma's bridge group kind of snack" but nevertheless they are making a serious come back in my life.

I made some on Sunday and realized that timing is important, water temperature is crucial, and paprika just makes them look pretty.

So really this post is for me, an easy reference for the next time I make deviled eggs (Friday)

12 Simple Steps for Stellar Deviled Eggs:

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water

2. Heat the eggs on HIGH until the water begins to boil

3. Let it boil for 1 minute

4. Remove from heat and cover the saucepan with a lid for 15-20 minutes

5. Remove eggs from pan, and peel under cool running water

6. Slice length wise

7. Remove yolks

8. Add 1/4 c. of mayo, 2 TBL white vinegar, 1 tsp. dried mustard, salt and pepper to taste

9. Mash

10.Return the yolk mixture to the halved egg whites

11. Refrigerate in a cake pan (speeds up the cooling)

12. Add paprika for some flare and enjoy!

Friday is going to be seamless.

THIS NEEDS TO BE MADE

Keeping with the new snack goal, here is Real Simples'

Hot Ricotta Dip

I have to admit, with the sources and the time allotted at work to make these snacks I tend to cheat on some of the recipes.

Broiling in the toaster oven happens MUCH faster than in an oven.

So for this dip I microwaved the mixed ingredients for about 3 minutes before transferring and broiling in the toaster.

Snack was served with my favorite salami chips and baguette for additional dipping.

One of my goals in 2012 is to make some new and exciting snacks at the workplace.

After scouring food websites, blogs, and magazines I've started a pretty nice collection of simple eats that require no oven, and no stove top cooking.

The first is:

Tapas Plate with Marinated Chickpeas

I would have never thought that chickpeas and raisins would pair so nicely together, their textures and flavors were perfect compliments.

This will definitely be a repeat!

Come by our office any time.

Trader Joes can be a real mad house, especially after 6pm.

Despite knowing this, Allison and I bundled up and trekked the 2 avenues and 1 block for this.

Eggplant.

When in doubt this is one of my all time favorite and simple dinners.

eggplant

mozzarella

roasted red peppers

caramelized onions

balsamic reduction

Add a little salad, and I can promise you will not leave hungry.

It's a summer meal in the winter months.

Enjoy.