I did this posting back in 2010 and I thought I would publish it again,
since the results of the colors were so much better than the store
kits. So, here it is again... enjoy!
I can smell the vinegar. I can see
yesterdays newspaper layered across the kitchen table to catch the
occasional spill from the coffee cups filled with that magical colored
water that would consume our white, hard boiled egg and turn it into
masterpieces of egg-art. All of my brothers and sister gathered around
the table waiting, timing our egg bath and having to move your color
clockwise to the next awaiting dipper. Always the contest to make the
egg that would stand out above all others. It's Easter and it wouldn't
be the same if we didn't celebrate the memories of it by dying eggs.
Although the prepackaged store
dye is easy to use and comes in a convenient package , I prefer a
homemade recipe to dye my eggs with. The ingredients are simple and
depending on your color preferences, you can create almost every
variable shade possible. So, spread out the newspaper and get started!
Peach to Salmon
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 Drop of Red Food Coloring
1 Cup Boiling Water
Pistachio to Green
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 Drop of Yellow Food Coloring
2 - 4 Drops of Green Food Coloring
1 Cup Boiling Water
Light Yellow to Canary Yellow
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
2 Drops of Red Food Coloring
1 Cup Boiling Water
Robins Egg Blue to Dark Blue
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 - 2 Drops of Blue Food Coloring
1 Cup Boiling Water
Boil your eggs
for 15-20 minutes, starting at the time the water begins to boil. This
insures your eggs are cooked on the inside. Cool and dry your eggs
completely before you begin the dying process.
Your color preference is determined
by the length of time you leave your egg in the dye. The shorter it
stays in the dye, the lighter your egg will be and the longer your egg
stays in the dye, the darker it will be. To achieve the colors above I
kept my eggs in the dye 5 - 7 minutes, keeping the yellow in one
minute longer that the rest.
No matter what colors you choose to
make your eggs have fun doing it. Make the memories for your child to
carry to adulthood, which I know will be recalled when they are sitting
around the table with their children making new memories like the ones
you created with them.
Happy Easter!
*Since
these recipes require boiling water there is always the chance of
receiving a potential burn. With anything always use caution,
especially when children are participating.
All photographs are watermarked.
