deviled eggsIf you're like me, your Thanksgiving preparations have been consumed by the big things. You've focused on things like how to brine your turkey, how to make perfect potatoes, and how to make a spectacular pie to wow the crowd you're feeding. But a few things may have slipped your list -- things like appetizers.

While there's food aplenty on this day of all days, appetizers are an important way to start the celebration ... and keep the cries of is dinner ready yet? to a minimum. Before you panic and head out to the store once again, you very well may have on hand most of the ingredients for one of the best appetizers of all times: Deviled eggs. People love them, and they're a snap to whip up with just a few basic ingredients. Here are a few varieties for you to try. 

Basic Deviled Eggs

My favorite is the simplest variety -- plain and tasty. Here's my go-to recipe, but you can add things like pickle relish and more spices if you like:

6 hard-boiled eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Paprika for garnish

Slice eggs in half, length-wise.

Remove yolks and mash with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard powder, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir.

Spoon into the egg white and sprinkle with paprika.

Refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Here are some other twists on the original:

Chipotle Pepper Deviled Eggs with Cilantro, Green Onion and Lime Zest

Spice things up with this zesty recipe.

Apple and Dill Deviled Eggs

Delicious and nutritious, this recipe is also gluten-free.

No-Mayonnaise Deviled Eggs

For those who don't like mayo, this recipe holds it.

Bacon-Cheddar Deviled Eggs

For a heartier variety of eggs, cheese and bacon add some extra oomph.

What kind of appetizers are you serving this Thanksgiving?


Image via TheCulinaryGeek/Flickr