Coloring and Decorating Easter Eggs with Colored Tissue Paper
The Importance of Properly Boiling the Eggs
Properly boiled eggs are essential for long-lasting top-quality Easter eggs. If the eggs are under boiled the shells will crack easily, and if the eggs are overboiled the yolks will turn green and become unappetizing for those who intended on eating them after the Easter celebration.
A patented product that has made boiling eggs simple is known as the “Eggsact Eggtimer” by Hammerhead Products. This amazing item is a godsend for those of us who have problems boiling eggs to the proper level of hardness. The Eggsact Eggtimer is made from a special type of plastic. It is shaped like a half oval with a flat bottom, and the words on the timer are magnified by a the clear rounded top. On the Eggsact Eggtimer is a hardness chart. When boiling eggs have reached a particular level of hardness, the Eggsact Eggtimer will indicate the level of hardness with a dark purple ring. When the ring touches the line indicating hard, medium, or soft, it’s time to stop the boiling process. If you have never had good luck boiling eggs, this amazing egg timer is for you. It’s very inexpensive, and it can be found online or in kitchen gadget stores everywhere. My good friend sent me an Eggsact Eggtimer as a surprise, and this amazing egg timer has become one of the most useful tools in my kitchen.
For those without an Eggsact Eggtimer, the cold water method of boiling eggs for Easter is the easiest and will provide good results. The key is proper timing. Don’t make the mistake of letting the eggs boil indefinitely. Watch the clock or use a timer, and promptly remove the eggs on time to achieve perfectly boiled Easter eggs.
Begin by carefully putting several eggs in a large pan, and add cold water to the pan making the level approximately one inch above the eggs. Over high heat, bring the eggs to a rapid boil. Once the water has reached a full boil, immediately remove the pan from the heat source, and cover it for approximately 23 minutes. After 23 minutes is up, cool the eggs rapidly by draining the hot water and rinsing them in cool water to stop the cooking process. After the eggs have cooled completely, you can begin coloring them for Easter.
Coloring and Decorating the Eggs
Decide on designs for the Easter eggs, and choose sheets of brightly colored art quality tissue paper. The tissue paper shapes will be used to stamp color onto the boiled and cooled eggs. Consider designs such as butterflies, chicks, flowers, and other spring theme patterns. Geometric or random shapes are also great for adding color and design to Easter eggs. Use your imagination, and have fun coloring and decorating Easter eggs that would impress even the Easter bunny!
After cutting out shapes to imprint on the cooled eggs, wet a clean rag, wring it out, and dampen the first Easter egg. Be careful not to touch the tissue paper with wet hands. The dye will come off onto your fingers. It might be helpful to set the eggs on egg cups, in a miniature muffin tin, or on small measuring cups. While the first egg is still damp, press the desired tissue paper shape onto the eggshell using a clean damp rag or paper towel. The dye will make a beautifully colored print on the egg. It may take a few tries to get the hang of decorating Easter eggs with colored tissue paper, but before long you’ll become an “eggspert” at coloring eggs with art quality tissue paper.
