The seeds of the Mexican tabasco chili were planted on Avery Island, Louisiana, in the mid 1800s, and in 1868, former New Orleans banker Edmund McIlhenny be
gan experimenting with them. He created
Tabasco sauce by mixing mashed chilies with salt, letting them age in oak barrels, then adding vinegar. Tabasco is so popular today that it often appears on restaurant tables right next to the salt and pepper. A good dose of the stuff puts the devil in these eggs.

Makes 8 appetizer servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 8hard-boiled large eggs, peeled
  • 1/4cup purchased tartar sauce
  • 1tablespoon spicy brown mustard (such as gulden’s)
  • 1 1/4teaspoons tabasco or other hot pepper saucepaprika

  • DIRECTIONS

    Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop out yolks; place in small bowl. Add tartar sauce, mustard and Tabasco; mash with fork. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into egg white halves, dividing equally. Sprinkle with paprika. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill.)