Gettin’ Eggy with It

Few culinary ingredients are as open to transformation as the egg. Essential components of sweet and savory dishes, eggs are a baker’s best friend, an enduring part of breakfast, a lunchbox staple, a satisfying midnight snack and, this time of year, colorful Easter basket booty. They’ve been gathered by cooks for centuries and are still considered one of the most nourishing and balanced foods around. Get inspired by these local egg-centric tools and gifts.

This American Mid-Century Modern egg cup/salt and pepper shaker set (below) at Honeymoon Bungalow springs from the tradition of serving soft-boiled eggs upright in decorative dishes. The Government Street vintage shop also carries a range of whimsical American salt and pepper shakers from the ’50s, including colorful ducks, rabbits and characters like the egg man himself, Humpty Dumpty. The painted happy couple set conveniently features both. $22

Hard-boiled eggs can be difficult to cut neatly, but a reliable egg slicer from Williams-Sonoma produces uniform pieces that look great on salads, as garnishes or on sandwiches. The egg rests on a soft, skid-proof silicon base, and two removable wire grids produce three different shapes: circles, ovals or wedges. Dishwasher safe. $17

Sur la Table’s clever egg piercer (below) prevents eggs from cracking when boiling, a quick and easy way of ensuring boiled eggs are perfect every time. Made of stainless steel and dishwasher safe, the piercer works by placing the wide end of the egg on a tiny spoke, which releases pressure while keeping the white and yoke safe inside. $6

Deviled eggs are an enduring tradition in the South—a staple of barbecues, holidays, church suppers, potlucks and picnics. But these perennial favorites require a special grooved plate to serve them without slipping or jostling, like this simple glass design (above) from Mid-City antique store Alladin’s Lamp. $12.50

Hand-gathered eggs have always been a hot item at the Red Stick Farmers Market. At the Saturday market downtown, egg vendors include Chenier Farms, Felixville Organics, Ryals Dairy, Belle Ecorce Farm, Inglewood Organics, Iverstine Family Farms, Yard Bird Farm and Feliciana’s Best Creamery. Felixville Organics also brings eggs to the Thursday market, held on the grounds of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. From $3 to $5 per dozen.