Indian Curry Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs are one of our favorite protein treats at home.  I love that you can play around with spices, herbs and create a new flavor with deviled eggs.  I have made so many different flavors through the years and most recently; creating a Southwestern, Moroccan and Indian flavored deviled eggs. 

When I was in culinary school, we had to create a quick appetizer in 30 minutes and present it to our chef instructor as a two bite appetizer.  The rule was that we had to use whatever was available to us in a "mystery basket".  When the chef instructor started the clock; the first thing that I thought of was making deviled eggs, so I quickly grabbed a few eggs, boiled them and looked around the class "mystery basket" to see what I could find to create a gourmet and different deviled egg.  There was no mayonnaise available and I certainly did not have the time to make my own in just 30 minutes, but I did find a fresh bottle of "school-made" Harissa (a Tunisian hot red pepper sauce), Bells and Whistles went off in my head and I quickly created this delicious tasting deviled egg with Harissa.  It was so tasty and I got a high score on my two bite deviled egg.  Not only did I get a high score and a high five from my instructor, but I was asked to make 300 deviled eggs for a special function at school...Oh yeah, that was the first time working with so many eggs and I was so nervous that they would not turn out as the one that I had made in class in 30 minutes.  Well, I succeeded in creating the same flavor for the 300 deviled eggs and received many praises.  Ever since, I have loved making different flavored eggs and the bonus is, that my family enjoys them as well.  A healthy protein treat for everyone to enjoy!

Indian Curry Deviled Eggs with sprinkled paprika and fresh leaf of oregano

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Indian Curry Deviled Eggs

Sformata di Pollo

Sformata di Pollo

Chicken Flan

Wondering at times what to do with leftover baked chicken from the night before?  Chicken salad, chicken sandwiches, chicken enchiladas or tacos?  You can make lots of dishes with leftover chicken, but tonight, I revisited Italy again by creating a simple dinner with leftover baked chicken and some Italian fresh herbs.

Sformata is the feminine spelling of Sformato; which is similar to a soufflé without the fluffy/airy texture.  The word Sformato derives from the word Sformare which means to unmold.  Sformata is made with eggs and usually baked in Ramekins in a Bain Marie.  Try this recipe for a light lunch or dinner, I assure you, it is easy and quite delicious!

Ingredients:

1/2 Walla Walla sweet onion, diced small

1 clove of garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
4 large eggs

1/2 cup heavy creampinch of nutmeg

Parmesan cheese, grated

salt and pepper to taste

2 Tablespoons of butter

1/2 cup balsamic
Basil for garnish

Equipment:Prepare 6 Ramekins and spray with oil and dust lightly with Parmesan cheese.
Prepare a deep baking pan for Bain Marie (water bath)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400*F

In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and cook onions over medium heat until translucent.  Add minced garlic, thyme and rosemary to skillet and cook for about 30 seconds; add cooked chicken and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.

Whisk the eggs, heavy cream and nutmeg.  Add the chicken mixture to the eggs and mix well.  Spoon mixture into prepared Ramekins until 3/4 full.

Fill the 12 inch baking pan filled with 1/4 hot water (Bain Marie).  Place Ramekins in baking pan and bake  uncovered for 30 - 35 minutes until lightly browned on top and test with toothpick comes out clean.  Remove Ramekins from baking pan and cool for about 5 minutes.    Take a sharp knife around the mold and gently unmold Sformata onto a serving dish.  Garnish with basil and drizzle with some reduced balsamic.

***Prepare reduced Balsamic while Sformata is cooling.   Place Balsamic in a pan on medium-low heat, whisk frequently until consistency has reached desired thickness.

Buon Appetito