Devilled Eggs with Smoked Paprika and Chives

Ingredients

• 12 large eggs
• 4 tbsp good mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• Small dash of Tabasco or hot sauce
• Sweet smoked paprika, for dusting
• Small bunch of chives, finely chopped
• Sea salt

Method

1. 11. Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer exactly 9 minutes.
2. 22. Drain and plunge into ice water for 5 minutes — this makes them peel easily and stops the yolks going grey.
3. 33. Peel carefully. Slice each egg in half lengthwise. Pop the yolks into a bowl.
4. 44. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, Tabasco, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth. Taste — it should be punchier than seems reasonable.
5. 55. Spoon or pipe the filling back into the whites.
6. 66. Dust with paprika, scatter chives, serve on a big platter.