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Prices are in CAD
Easter Egg Coloring - The Natural Way
April 14, 2009
Both boys came home from school on Friday with colored Easter eggs. As Murphy's Law goes (and those who know me know I'm doubly cursed), Theodore dropped his beautiful eggs immediately after I uttered the words "becareful not to drop them or they'll break". The tears that began to well as he looked up at me were quickly wiped away when I said "not to worry, we'll make some more at home!" Phew! Good thing I have the crafty gene! I LOVE coloring eggs.
Admittedly, I grew up with the PAAS egg coloring sets, and eventually, plain old food coloring. Not to age myself, but "back then", ingredients weren't as scary as they are these days. Did you know? Synthetic colors used to dye food comes from coal tar. Ew! Thanks for the heads up, Kindervibe!
Inspired by Kindervibe and these organic egg coloring instructions from Kid Glue (my new fave craft site), I hunted around the kitchen for natural ingredients.
For some crazy reason we were out of beets and red cabbage. Must remember to add them to the shopping list for next Easter.
I explained to the boys that we were going to do an experiment this year and color the eggs with foods that make their own color. Theodore swarmed the kitchen like a bumblebee, impatiently asking every few seconds if it was time yet. He was super curious and it was fun getting him to guess what each color might make. Oliver was less interested until the actual dipping began.
I set the ingredients in the bowls then added boiling water and a teaspoon or so of vinegar. Once the ingredients had cooled enough so it was safe for the boys, I set them up at the table with a spoon each. Because I left the ingredients in the bowls, it was a little crowded for the eggs. I recommend using bowls that are big enough to cover the egg completely.
As you can see from the eggs in the basket, the colors are very natural and less electric than the traditional coloring dyes. But, it you look closely, you can see the name of each ingredient on the egg. I used a white wax crayon to write the name before we dipped. You could also use elastic bands or stickers. I had hoped to create a few more but interest was lost in favour of Daddy coming home with new library books and cds. Not complaining.
Of the ingredients I used, with about a 10 minute dip time, black tea, frozen blueberries and turmeric gave the best results.
What you'll need
Hard boiled eggs (see recipe below)
Bowls for each color
Boiling water
Vinegar
Paper towels
Tablespoon
White or colored wax crayons
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
(a la craft queen, Martha Stewart)12 large eggs, room temperature
- Place eggs in a large saucepan. Cover them with cool water by 1 inch. Slowly bring water to a boil over medium heat; when the water has reached a boil, cover and remove from heat. Let sit 12 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to a colander; place under cool running water to stop the cooking. Eggs can be peeled and served immediately. Remaining eggs, with shells on, may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Post filed under: Indoor/Outdoor Activities
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