Food for Thought : Wishing Everyone a Happy Easter

      This weekend many of us  will celebrate  Easter . No matter  what you have plan to have  on your menu , one staple most likely  to be seen on your  table is eggs . They are reasonable price , versatile  and make  a great addition  to your  family's meal plans . Eggs are a natural source of high-quality protein  and many other nutrients  . Containing only 70 calories , eggs can be a great way to help you meet  a variety of nutrient needs.       One egg has about 30 milligrams  of heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids . Also , nutrition research suggests  eggs can play a role in weight management  , muscle strength , healthy pregnancy  , brain function , eye health  and more . here are a few tips  to help you enjoy   eggs this week :
      The color of the shell is simply a color . The color of an egg  is determined  by the bred of hen  that laid the egg . Shell color is not an indicator  of health  , flavor  or  quality .
      Eggs are graded  according  to the United States  Department  of Agriculture  {USDA} guidelines . Grade AA and Grade A indicate  that the eggs  have a thick white , yolks  are free from defects  and eggs have clean shells . These are eggs  you will find  in grocery stores . Lower grade eggs  are usually reserved for industrial use .
      Make  sure you purchase  eggs before  the "sell-by" or "expiration" date on the carton . Once you  get the eggs  home , place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator , not the  door . For best quality , use eggs  within three to five weeks  of  the date you purchase  them .
                                                               Devil Eggs with Bacon 

Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes            Makes   24 servings

12       hard-cooked eggs
1/3      cup mayonnaise
3         bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
3         tablespoons finely chopped red onion
3         tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1/4     teaspoon smoked paprika

Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks; set whites aside. In a small bowl, mash yolks. Add the mayonnaise, bacon, onion and relish; mix well. Stuff into egg whites. Refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with paprika.

Happy Easter 



A proud grand-poppa