It was such a joyful time when I was a child to pick up those pearly white hard boiled eggs, carefully lay them on top of a chicken wire spoon, and “gently” dip them into bowls of liquid dye.
I felt like a scientist. As my creations would dry, I would sit mesmerized at my skills. Not only was I a mad scientist, but the Picasso, the Van Gogh of eggs…I may have been a dramatic child.
Now as I sit waving at my childhood from a distance, I question – how in the world did my mother have the patience for this incredibly messy tradition?? As much as my grown-up self begs to hide that tradition far away, I can’t help but feel the tug of childhood whimsy in my heart.
So if you’re like me and simplicity is your thing, then let’s discover a way to continue this joy-filled tradition with less mess and more smiles around a dozen of rainbow colored eggs.
Prep made easy
- Fresh eggs are harder to peel – use eggs that you have had in the fridge for a week – trust me, it makes a difference.
- Do not try to cook more than a dozen eggs at a time. Find a pot that will fit a dozen eggs on the bottom without any overlap.
- Fill the pan with cool tap water, enough to cover the eggs by an inch or two.
- Place the pan on high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Hear this part – I used to trip this up a lot. Once the water comes to a boil. Turn the heat completely Let the eggs sit for a 10-12 minutes.
- Have a bowl filled with cold water and ice ready – place eggs into ice bath immediately following stove top cooking.
- Let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Return to egg carton
*Hint: I have seen a suggestion all over the internet regarding oven-baked hard boiled eggs. I did some research and found that most reviews of this method state that the eggs are strangely textured, the taste is a little off, and the color is wrong. You dare devils out there…give it a whirl. However, I suggest sticking with the tried and true method above.
Decorating eggs made easy
So if you’re a traditionalist and the idea of giving up your chicken wire spoon and dipping bowls makes you gasp, maybe you should skip this section. But for those who are willing to sheepishly raise your hand and say “I can’t handle the mess, how can I simplify the process?”
I’ve got you covered:
- Edible Markers – 100% I am using this method this Easter. I cannot wait to continue my childhood fantasy of painting Van Gogh’s The Starry Night across that beautiful egg white canvas. Just think – no spilled dye bowls, no splattered colored water on layers of newspaper trying to protect your kitchen table, and no ruined Power Ranger pajamas paints of your angelic 4-year-old who just can’t sit still. Find them at: Walmart, Target & Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts
- Stickers – What an incredibly fun way to jazz up some Easter eggs. Best part? No sweat if this decor ends up all over your kids clothes, hands, and faces! How awesome would it be to have stickers that share the story of the resurrection? What a cool tool to have fun with the kiddos, keep it clean and share the greatest story of all time. Find some great Easter sticker here.
Cleanup made easy
Short and sweet folks. If you are using the decorating methods above then this year’s egg cleanup will be a breeze. No more draining colored dye down the sink, wiping down puddled tables and floors and bathing your children for the second time that morning. Instead:
- Slide those markers back into their boxes
- Store extra stickers in the Easter bin
- Place eggs in the fridge until you’re ready to dive in and eat!
Done.
Have an Easter egg trick you’d like to share? Feel free to comment below and share your tips with me!
Happy Easter folks. He is Risen!
