Bacon Deviled Eggs

Two years ago, I was baptized on Easter Sunday. I was able to celebrate with my friends and family, and one of the highlights of the day (don't laugh) were these rice krispie treats my friend made. They were sooo ooey and gooey and clearly very memorable. I knew people made treats for Easter but I didn't understand why. Growing up I didn't celebrate Easter as a major holiday. We basically bought candy and hosted an egg hunt at our house for a few kids. I've probably taken pictures with the Easter bunny twice. That defined Easter for me. But now I can see that Easter has a different meaning for those that follow Jesus. And people make treats to celebrate this occasion and to make memories, like ooey-gooey rice krispie treats! I'm not going to feature rice krispies today (you can find my chewy chocolatey recipe here), but I am going to showcase my bacon deviled eggs! My mom never made deviled eggs... Hello! I grew up in a Chinese household. Soy sauce eggs can be found in the fridge constantly, but none of this mayo-mixed egg yolk. The first time I had a deviled egg that I could remember was at Park Tavern in San Francisco about 2 years ago (where have deviled eggs been all my life). At $2 for half an egg, I'd rather make my own version at home. Don't get me wrong, the smoked deviled eggs are amazing, but I don't know if it's $2 amazing... So challenge accepted, and I set out to make my own smoked deviled egg. The bacon deviled egg is my result! Not too much mayo, and lots of smoked flavor from the bacon, paprika, and hickory salt. I made these for my last LAN party and they were a hit! I actually had to save two for a friend who was coming to the party late. This recipe calls for a dozen eggs, but I'm not even kidding when I say you should make more! Bacon Deviled Eggs Ingredients:

• One dozen eggs
• 6 strips of bacon*
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (normal paprika is good too)*
• 1 teaspoon of hickory salt (can substitute salt)
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes

*Both from Trader Joe's. The applewood smoked bacon is amazing and the smoked paprika has a great flavor Directions: 1. Boil the eggs. The best way to do this is to submerge your eggs in cold water and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and leave the eggs in water for 15 minutes. Drain out the water and place the eggs in ice cold water for easy peeling. Peel all your eggs and cut them into halves, and take out the egg yolks into a separate bowl. 2. Cook 6 strips of bacon until crispy. Then set bacon aside and cut into small pieces. 3. Add the remaining ingredients to the egg yolk (mayo, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper flakes). Now this is the money right here - add a tablespoon of bacon oil to the egg yolks. Mash up the egg yolks and mix in the ingredients until combined. 4. Scoop the egg yolk mixture into each of the egg white halves and top with a piece of bacon. Bacon makes everything better. Agreed? What are some of your favorite Easter treats? Do you have a deviled egg recipe that you love? Please share! Stay tuned for my Good Friday post, Jay