How to Color Easter Eggs With Food Dyes

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

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

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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

Step1

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

Step2

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

Step3

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

Step4

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

Step5

Add 1/4 c. white vinegar.

Step6

Repeat steps 3 to 5 for the various colors.

Step7

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

Step8

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.

Comments

Rockstar said

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on 12/8/2006 Brown eggs do work really well.

Anonymous said

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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!!!

Anonymous said

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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.

Anonymous said

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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).

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