Before coloring Easter eggs, they need to be prepared properly. Easter eggs can be hard-boiled so that you can eat them later after dyeing, or they can be blown to remove the yolk and whites and leave just the empty shell. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs, and supervise children around boiling water.
Hard-Boiled Eggs in Water
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Supplies Large pot Large bowl Slotted spoon Water * Ice
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Steps Place the eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a large pot. Add water to the pot until it is 1 to 2 inches above the eggs. Over high heat, bring the water to a rolling boil. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and let the eggs sit for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pot with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, store in the refrigerator.
Hard-Cooked Eggs in the Oven
Eggs can also be hard-cooked in the oven. They'll turn out just as if you had boiled them in water.
Supplies Muffin tin Oven mitt Tongs Large bowl * Ice water
Steps Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place each egg in a cup of a muffin tin. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and use tongs to transfer the eggs from the muffin tin to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. * Once cooled, store in the refrigerator.
Blown Eggs
Instead of cooking, blow out the yolks and whites to make empty egg shells. No need for refrigeration and the eggs can be saved for years.
Supplies Hand drill with small drill bit Needle Baby nasal aspirator Skewers Shoe box Bowl
Steps With a hand drill or needle, carefully pierce a small hole in the top and bottom of each egg. Make the bottom hole roughly pea sized and the top hole about half that size. Use a needle to gently pierce the yolk inside the egg to make it easier to blow out. Put the nasal aspirator into the top hole and blow the whites and yolk out the bottom hole. Or you can place your mouth over the top hole and blow through it to push the whites and yolk out the bottom. Gently wash the eggs with soap and water. Let dry.
Strengthen and Seal Blown Eggs
After decorating your blown eggs, you can coat the inside and outside with a decoupage varnish to make it stronger. Mix equal parts water and varnish and brush on the outside with a paintbrush.
To coat the inside, you can use an eye dropper or straw to drip the varnish mixture into the egg through the bottom hole. Then cover both holes with your fingers and gently shake the egg to spread the varnish around the inside. Let them dry overnight. Your eggs will be much stronger and last longer!