You never know when you might need deviled eggs. Here are six quick ways to customize eggs using ingredients you can keep in the pantry and fridge all the time.

• 6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, cut in half, and yolks mashed in a bowl
  
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sour cream
  
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons mayonnaise

the thoroughly mashed yolks with the sour cream and mayonnaise. Blend in one of the following:

--1 tablespoon salt-free garlic and herb seasoning

--1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons dry cream of spinach soup and dip mix

--1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning

--1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry ranch dressing mix

--1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry dill dip mix

--1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning

Taste the mixture, then season with salt and pepper, if needed -- most dip mixes are salty enough. Fill the whites evenly with the mixture. Garnish the halves, if you want to fuss, with a little chopped fresh Italian parsley or chives, or sprinkle of paprika. Try a little nutmeg on the spinach soup mix eggs.

Makes 12.

"Deviled Eggs" by Debbie Moose

First Published: May 27, 2004, 4:00 a.m.