How to Color Easter Eggs With Food Dyes

This Easter tradition dates back to ancient times, when Egyptians and Persians traded decorated eggs at the beginning of spring to celebrate fertility.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toothpicks
• Liquid Or Paste Food Coloring
• Metal Spoons
• White Vinegar
• Cups
• White Hard-boiled Eggs
• Kitchen Knives
• Water
• Metal Tongs
• Empty Paper Towel Rolls

1. Set out a cup or bowl for each color. They must be deep enough to accommodate eggs.

2. Cut an empty paper towel roll into sections; you'll set your finished eggs on them to dry.

3. Scoop a gob of paste-type food coloring (found in the cake decorating section of craft stores) out of the container with a toothpick.

4. Stir it into a cup or bowl with 1 c. very hot water until it's dissolved.

5. Add 1/4 c. white vinegar.

6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for the various colors.

7. Dip white hard-boiled eggs into the bowls using a metal spoon or tongs.

8. Place the dyed eggs on the egg holders to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular liquid food coloring can be used as well. Use 7 to 10 drops.
• Be careful not to get the paste on your clothes, avoid getting it on your hands, and don't use plastic cups or utensils - it stains.

on 11/22/2005 Let kids mix primary colors to create unique colors. "Double dipping" using a wire loop makes it possible to dip half of each egg in the different colors. Words or designs written on the egg prior to dying with white crayon will magically appear! Fun!!!

on 11/22/2005 Before dyeing the eggs, I make them hollow (by making a hole in each end of the egg and blowing in one side), then I string thread through the two holes. When you finish dyeing your eggs, you just hold them by the string so you don't rub off any dye.

on 11/22/2005 Try coloring brown eggs instead of the usual white. The brown shell harmonizes them in warm, more sophisticated-looking earth tones. Try nesting them in natural-toned easter grass arrangements (available in craft stores).