Happy Deviled Eggs Day

Happy National Deviled Egg Day!!

A popular dish for picnics and special occasions since the 18th century, the term “deviling” describes when a cook uses mustard or hot pepper to spice up a dish.

It wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I actually found myself drawn to deviled eggs. As a kid, I hated the taste of mustard (and even as an adult, you won’t see me using mustard as a condiment) and avoided the creepy appetizer placed on my grandmother’s picnic table.

Then I moved to California and saw fancy toppers such as smoked salmon and Dungeness crab being used on deviled eggs. These weren’t my grandma’s deviled eggs. I became hooked.

Last year, deviled eggs became a food trend. What costs under $5 to create at home, for a dozen of eggs, is landing on high end eateries for double that cost. However, the fluffy egg treats are absolutely delicious and worth the splurge.

Here are my two picks for celebrating National Deviled Egg Day in Sonoma Valley:

Oso serves up their deviled eggs with crab meat, yellow curry and a shake of paprika. They serve them all day at $10 during lunch and dinner and $2 for one deviled egg during happy hour (5:00-6:30pm). Oso earned a fork in this year’s Michelin guide, which describes Oso as “good-natured little restaurant,” and the eggs are good-natured, too. 9 E. Napa St., Sonoma; 931-6926, ososonoma.com.

Palooza Gastropub & Wine Bar has been serving deviled eggs on their menu for a few years now. The preparation changes and is often based on the seasons. The last time I had them they were topped with house smoked salmon, red onions and capers ($7). Grab a microbrew or locally produced glass of wine – and throw on a sweater – and sit in the patio which overlooks the mountains. Check out my feature about Palooza here. 8910 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 833-4000; paloozafresh.com.

Share your favorite deviled egg moments with the hashtag #deviledeggday and enjoy some inspired deviled egg photos via Instagram.