The bright, spring like colors of Easter eggs are to symbolize the colors and brightness associated with spring. The tradition of coloring eggs has evolved over time, and varies among cultures. For example, the Greek Orthodox color their eggs dark red (to symbolize Jesus’s blood) and bake them in breads.
In the U.S., it’s more about an egg-citing activity for the kiddies that (hopefully) results in family bonding, artists creating edible works of art, and so on. Try this technique for shiny, swirly eggs:
Bright and marbled
Spread newspaper (like an old CL newspaper) over your work surface.
Decide how many colors you want to create, and get a separate container for each color.
In each container, combine:
1 T oil
1 T vinegar
Choice of food coloring
Add enough water so the liquid will cover an egg.
Swirl the liquid with a spoon, and quickly lower and raise an egg into it.
Pat dry with a paper towel, and repeat with a second color.
Swirl into a third color, if desired. Some white areas can be left on the egg.
Gently pat dry the completed egg, leaving a bit of the oil to give the egg a varnished look.
Place all of the colored eggs in your basket, empty egg carton or other container to dry.
Store them in the refrigerator.
Credit: Krups
If after Easter, you’re asking yourself, “What the devil am I going to do with all of these eggs I colored?” how about making deviled eggs? This recipe will surely bring out the devil in you:
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Mash together:
6 hard-boiled egg yolks
2 T mayonnaise or yogurt
1 1/2 t. spicy mustard
1/2 t. lemon juice
1 t. relish
1/2 t. paprika
Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture.
Top with chopped chives and crumbled cooked bacon.
Credit: Sandra Lee, Food Network Magazine
Now go grab a dozen (or two) white eggs before they’re all sold out, and get coloring and cooking!
