Most cultures equate the egg with life itself. Eggs appear at every celebration as a symbol of re-birth and the continual process of the life cycle. On New Year = s day we make resolutions of self-improvement as we wish for health, happiness and prosperity the coming year. I make eggs to represent health, and then devil them to add glamour and spice, topping them off with the ultimate of eggs: Caviar, for prosperity.

6 large eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper
Piping bag with a fluted tube
Optional: black or red caviar or capers or sliced pimento olives

Cover the eggs with water and bring to a full boil. Boil 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and cool in the water to lukewarm. Peel under cold water and cut the eggs into halves lengthwise, reserving 18 halves. Put the yolks into a bowl and add the mayonnaise and salt and pepper(s). Beat with an electric mixer until very smooth.

Spoon the yolk mixture into the piping bag and fill the whites in a circular motion. The number of halves depends upon the amount you use for each.

Place eggs on a glass or ceramic platter. (Silver will turn black from the egg) Decorate with parsley or watercress with cherry tomatoes and olives.