This great crowd pleaser has been around for many years. Deviled eggs are a great and simple appetizer to make and serve. There are several variations, but the basic recipe for deviled eggs can be prepared in minutes. The great thing about making them is that you can do the majority of the preparations well in advance of serving. The day of a party usually has many tasks that need to be performed.

The day before a party usually involves purchasing groceries. So even two days before your party you can boil the eggs that you will be using. Place the eggs in water and bring to a boil. Once the eggs are boiling turn the heat down to low and leave the eggs covered for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes place the pan in the sink and run cold water over the eggs for at least 10 minutes. This will stop the cooking process and will insure that the yolks will not turn green. Dry the eggs return them to the carton and place them in the refrigerator.

The day of the party peel the eggs and cut them lengthwise. Gently pop out the yolk from the whites and place the yolks in a bowl and place the whites in a plastic container that has a lid. You will want to arrange the whites in a single layer. Always keep the extra deviled eggs cold so they will not spoil. By starting them in a plastic container you can transfer them to the serving plate as you need them. If you have an iced area on your buffet serve the deviled eggs there. Next smash the yolks with a fork until they are crumbled apart. What you add to the yolks is up to you. Many people add mayonnaise and mustard along with seasoning. Other people use cream cheese. You can also add olives, onions or garlic depending on your preference. The yolk mixture can then be stored in the bowl to chill well before filling the whites. You can serve your deviled eggs fancy by running the yolk mixture through a pastry bag, or you can spoon the filling into the whites. You can garnish with paprika or parsley flakes or sliced ripe or green olives. The yolk mixture holds its shape well so you can make all the eggs up at once and then serve.

The deviled eggs always seem to be the first appetizer that is gone from the buffet table. Deviled eggs are simple to make so they also make a nice treat for your family on any occasion.