Sardine-Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with a salty, seafaring attitude.

Recipe Ingredients:

12 large hard-cooked eggs, shells removed
2 (4-ounce each) cans of sardines, thoroughly drained
1 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh chives
12 to 24 capers

Cooking Directions:

1. With a small sharp knife cut a 1/8-inch slice off the bottom of the eggs so they will stand up. Then slice off the top 1/3 of each egg, and chop the scraps of egg white finely and set them aside. Gently squeeze the yolks out of the eggs, being careful not to break the white cases.
2. Mash the yolks and the sardines together with a fork, then beat the mayonnaise into the egg-sardine mixture. Add the lemon juice, mustard, cayenne and salt, mixing thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
3. Spoon the filling into the egg white cases, dividing it evenly among them and mounding it on top. Mix the reserved chopped whites together with the parsley and chives in a shallow bowl, and dip the filled eggs into the mixture, rolling to coat the tops thoroughly. Place a caper or two on the top of each egg.
4. Stand the eggs on a chilled platter and serve at once, or cover the platter loosely with waxed paper and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 24 servings.