Easter Eggs (round one!!!)

    We love eggs here! This means that even though we are a secular family, Easter is a big deal. We celebrate rebirth, the beauty of Spring, crafts in abundance, eggs, and most importantly, memories.
    Today we made our first round of Easter eggs. Though we do have chickens, I usually buy the eggs we boil. We eat our chicken's eggs just a few days after they lay them, which means that they are always very fresh. Eggs that are nearing their expiration date are the best ones to boil. As eggs age, the membrane surrounding the white begins to loosen from the shell, making them easier to peel. Hard-boiled fresh eggs are a messy affair.
    Typically I color eggs a few times around this time of year. We often hard-boiled eggs for snacks, take them to work, and put them in the kids' lunches. If I'm cooking them anyway, they may as well be pretty. Eggs are a super-food! They are one of the most nutrient-rich foods available. Despite earlier studies indicating their role in high cholesterol, they actually help tackle obesity. They are full of amino-acids and vitamins, including vitamin D. Can never have enough vit D in the gloomy Pacific NW!!!!

    I prefer to buy whites to color because the the dye is more vibrant on a white background. These are almost-expired white, organic free-range eggs that I got for cheap because they are nearing their date. I tossed a fresh, brown egg in there to show the yucky business of peeling one that the hens laid just yesterday. I bring the pot to a rolling boil, quickly turn the heat to low, then let the pot sit for 15 minutes. I then drain the eggs, immerse them in cold water for about 10 minutes, drain again, and then refrigerate. 

This is how peeling a fresh egg goes down. Not cute! But it does allow you to see how pretty and yellow the yolk gets (no green slime!!) with the boiling method I use.

Today we are making tie-dye eggs! As you can see, you probably already have all the necessary materials around the house. Liquid food dye and sponges are all that you need. Gel food dye also works, though not as well.

Place several drops of food coloring on a sponge.

Then just roll! 

Voila!!

It's smart to remember rubber gloves. I did not remember them. Also, black is best color to wear while dying. Sophisticated and practical. I find that 90's dance music also helps the process along ("Be My Lover" by La Bouche, was a complimentary tune,  "Push It" by Salt n Pepa, was slightly awkward). Just some helpful tips.

So lovely and so easy to make.