Coloring Easter Eggs

I’ve been coloring Easter Eggs for as long as I can remember. There is something nostalgic about dropping those little tablets into a cup of water/vinegar mixture and watching them bubble and dissolve into a cup full of color.

My children, though, have special memories gathering around their grandmother’s kitchen table every year with coffee mugs, bottles of food coloring and the pungent odor of vinegar lingering in the air.

The kids may be getting older but they hold onto their long-time traditions tightly and so once again, we pulled boiled the eggs, gathered the supplies and commenced coloring. It’s a yearly ritual that reminds me of the hope of spring and the promise of new life. It makes my children happy. And it makes me happy.

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Our method for coloring eggs is easy, inexpensive and simple. You’ll need:

• coffee mugs — we found they are just the right size and are stable enough to survive the dipping and dunking and fishing-out of the eggs. You can use any dish or container that will hold the liquid and an egg.
• hard-boiled eggs — a dozen per person (because they all have creative notions and ideas) or as many as you are able. We find it works best to boil, cool and color in the same day if possible. Eggs from cold refrigerator often have condensation that interferes with the coloring process.
• color dye mixture — see recipe below! or use the packaged dye tablets or search pinterest or online for a recipe that works for you.
• wax writing utensil — a crayon or candle or canning wax are all good choices for making designs before dying.
• rubber bands — yes. I said rubber bands. Wrap one, or two, or ten around an egg before placing in the dye then remove after color has dried.
• slotted spoon — or tongs or the little wire utensil that comes with those Easter dye kits.
• newspaper — or plastic table cloth. You’ll want to protect your table surface from the spills and the dye.
• drying rack — or paper toweling or empty egg cartons. It’s best if eggs are elevated off surface so dye does not pool underneath.
• creativity and imagination — have fun! Make designs. Color with one color then set into a second color. Make two-toned eggs or plaid eggs!

Put a different color dye in each mug. You can use the three primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and then create additional colors by dying a second and even a third time. Or you can mix to create a whole range of color. Of course, the pre-packaged tablets will give you a wide variety of color. Just mix according the package directions.

Then carefully place an egg in color of choice. The longer you leave it the more vivid the color will be. Whatever suits your fancy! Me? I like the pretty pastel colors. My kids like brighter, bolder colors.

Are you ready for my simple Easter egg coloring recipe? The cost is only pennies and it takes only minutes to prepare but the end result is priceless!

In each mug mix:

• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
• 10-12 drops liquid food coloring

That’s it! You are now ready to bring color to your eggs and create special memories.