Spring Blues & Southern Fried Pickle Deviled Eggs for Easter

What I would do to go back in time, to those elementary and middle school years, when my extended family would reunite every year for Easter Sunday at my great uncle's ranch. Pony rides, giant Easter egg hunts, golf cart adventures, and of course, some of the best Southern food you could imagine - it was all there. Most of the grandparents, great aunts and uncles, and most notably, my mom, were alive and well too. Life just couldn’t have been better - at least through my 10-year-old eyes.

While I can’t have those days back, I’ll always have the memories. And if there’s one standard Southern family tradition I’ll always continue for Easter - even if it’s just for me and Chris, it’s a batch of delicious deviled eggs. They get me feeling kinda nostalgic, honestly. I know it sounds silly because so many people enjoy the snack on Easter Sunday. But with just one bite of the mayo-dressed yolk, I can go back in time - for a very brief moment, to see the smiles and hear the laughter of my mom, grandma, aunts, uncles, and cousins at the family ranch on Easter Sunday.

But unlike my mom, grandma, and those many relatives who swore by the simple and classic Deviled egg recipe, I like to change them up a bit - every year, into something a little more exciting.

This year, I wanted to stick with somethin’ Southern but also create a flavor explosion. And so it happened. Southern & Spicy Fried Pickle Deviled Eggs. The pickle isn’t fried, as you can clearly see, but there is a delectable piece of fried chicken skin propped up on that heavenly yolk, alongside a dill pickle, and some (very necessary) dollops of Crystal Hot Sauce. This combo is as easy as can be and certainly gave me that deviled egg excitement I was looking for.

As far as today’s outfit, well, it’s certainly not church appropriate. But it is perfect for a Spring picnic. The shirt dress is delightfully baggy and with a color that screams spring and summer. The pink tassel earrings add a pop of color and a pop of flair too. It’s easy and comfortable and also awesomely colorful - just the way I like my warm weather wear.

Southern Fried Pickle Deviled Egg Recipe

(makes 12 halves)

6 hard-boiled eggs

¼ cup mayo

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon Crystal Hot Sauce

⅛ teaspoon salt

Ground pepper

1-2 pieces fried chicken (for bits of skin)

6 hamburger pickle slices, cut in small pieces (dill or sweet)

Directions:

Once eggs have cooled for a few minutes, gently remove their shells, including extra layer of “film”. Slice length-wise and pop yolk out into a small mixing bowl.

To the bowl, add the mayo, Crystal hot sauce, mustard, and salt and pepper. Mix well with a fork, until mixture is mostly smooth.

Fill the egg halves with the yolk mixture. Place pickle and fried chicken skin pieces on top and then add a couple dollops of Crystal hot sauce.

Plate and serve!

The Outfit:

Blue shirt dress, Tea & Cup Los Angeles. White bandeau, Nordstrom. Pink Tassel Earrings, BaubleBar. Open-toe taupe booties, TOMS.