Get cracking with Easter eggs

By Enid Donaldson-Mignotte, Contributor

THROUGH THE ages people have used eggs for magic, religious purposes, gifts and for games, but principally for food.

The English of old feasted on eggs on the Saturday preceding Lent because eating of eggs was forbidden for the 40 days of Lent.

Coloured Easter eggs originated in Persia as a symbol of new life. The Europeans, especially the Ukranians, have made an art of decorating Easter eggs.

The use of eggs as presents to celebrate Easter is probably a Christian borrowing from the pagan world, the egg being the ancient symbol of resurrection.

HOW TO COLOUR EGGS

To colour eggs using fruits and vegetables, Mother Nature's patience is required, it is not an easy task. One thing is certain however, you will achieve a delicate array of colours from the earth itself.

Natural pigments

3 red onion skins (red)

3 beets chopped for earthy green grey

3 bags camomile tea for soft yellow

1/3 cup white vinegar

1 tbsp. salt

1 dozen fresh eggs

Step 1: In a small deep pot, boil 2 cups water with vinegar and salt.

Step 2: Add one natural pigment listed above.

Step 3: Gently lower 1 to 3 eggs in the water with a spoon. Boil eggs for 1 hour. Remove from heat and let stand overnight. When egg has tinted, gently remove it from the water and set aside to dry.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1 through 3 with a different natural pigment ingredient (listed above.)

Step 5: Place eggs in a nest made of wooden stuffing, in a bowl or basket. Refrigerate.

Step 6: Can be used as an Easter meal centrepiece. Eggs can be eaten with a sprinkle of salt.

Note: The onion natural pigment is the quickest to take effect.

Keep eggs in the pot until desired colour intensity is achieved. Ensure that children are supervised when colouring eggs.

Easter egg fun and games

1. Hide the eggs along with other treats (indoors or outdoors) and have the children go on an Easter egg hunt.

2. On Good Friday many people get up early to set the white of an egg in a glass of water in the sun, in order to have an indication of their future.

For example, a ship means you will be travelling overseas;

A ring means an early marriage; and

A coffin means the death of a family member.

It's said that these are the most popular shapes recognised when an egg white is set in the sun.

Back to What's Cooking