1. Grease the bottom and sides of a 4½" springform pan with vegetable oil
2. Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment paper to fit
3. Put hard-boiled eggs, salt, pepper and mayonnaise in a food processor. Process until eggs are smooth. Spread on the bottom of the spring form pan
4. In a clean food processor, puree the shallots, cream cheese, sour cream, thyme, and gelatin until smooth. Spread this second layer atop first. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill at least a few hours, but preferably overnight, until firm
5. Rinse caviar in a small, fine mesh strainer with cold water, until the water runs clear. drain and pat dry, Keep in a paper towel-lined bowl until use
6. Run a knife around the outside of the chilled cake. Spread the caviar on top of the cake, gently with the back of a spoon
7. Carefully remove the ring, and place the cake on a serving plate. Garnish with an edible flower (a single, red edible flower is very dramatic against the black). Serve with crackers or French bread

* For hard-boiled eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan, filling cold water to 1” above the eggs. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, and cover, allowing the eggs to sit in the hot water for 18 minutes. Run cold water to stop the cooking process, then refrigerate or shell immediately (the eggs are easier to shell when they are slightly warm!)