031518 SWB DIGITAL EDITION

8 x March 15 — April 4, 2018 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
the heat. Simmer for 30 minutes and
strain. Follow a similar method for
blue, substituting about 1 pound of
roughly chopped red cabbage for
the beets. Try blueberries, raspberries,
blackberries, purple sweet potatoes,
carrots or chopped greens,
using approximately 2 cups of fruit
or chopped veggies per quart of water.
Soak the eggs until desired color
is reached, which may take several
hours to overnight for some colors.
Experiment with vibrant juices, including
pomegranate, grape, black
cherry or cranberry juice, adding 1
tablespoon of vinegar per quart.
Spices & Such
For vivid gold eggs, heat 1 quart
of water in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon
each of vinegar and salt, and 6
tablespoons of turmeric. Simmer for a
few minutes until dissolved. Substitute
paprika or achiote chili powder for
light orange or cinnamon for a subtle
mahogany. Soak the eggs in the dye
until the desired shade is reached,
anywhere from minutes to overnight.
Experiment with curry powder, spirulina,
cocoa or activated charcoal for
different hues. Soak eggs in coffee
for milk-chocolate-colored eggs, or
try black tea for a reddish-tan effect.
Make It Fancy
Take inspiration from Mother Nature
by imprinting herb shapes onto the
eggs by placing parsley, cilantro or
rosemary leaves onto the sides of the
egg and putting it into a portion of nylon
panty hose to secure the herbs in
place. Small flower blossoms or fern
leaves work well, too. Remove the
plant material after dyeing the egg to
reveal a beautiful pattern.
Another option for making designs
is to use a white crayon or white beeswax
candle to draw a pattern on the
egg before dipping it in dye. When
the eggs are finished, polish them
with a little olive or vegetable oil to
give them a lovely sheen. Decorative
eggs make a beautiful, rustic centerpiece
for your Easter celebration.
Just remember, if you plan to eat the
eggs, keep them refrigerated. ª