Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish. Cooking is an adventure in itself, much like the spontaneous after-school cooking sessions I used to have with my mom.

1. Begin by placing the eggs in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and cover. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
3. After the eggs are cooked, transfer them to an ice bath to cool for about 5 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
4. Peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces.
5. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. Gently fold the chopped eggs into the mixture until evenly coated. If using, add the diced avocado last to prevent it from getting too mushy.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sometimes a little extra lime juice can brighten the flavors even more!

Remember, the key is to taste as you go. Cooking is all about making adjustments and finding that perfect balance that suits your taste.