Another a little off topic - natural easter egg dye

[Guest guest]

This is a Reader's Digest special. I've been trying to avoid additives and going

organic in a lot of what I eat, to try and avoid stuff that could further

'agitate' my messed up immune system. Thought some of you might be interested in

'natural' ways to dye Easter eggs without the chemical dyes.

Budding young chemists and kids with curiosity will really enjoy helping to make

naturally colored Easter eggs with ingredients straight from the cupboard and

fridge. This family project costs nothing, but the delight in learning is

priceless.

1. Gently wash eggs with soapy water and dry.

2. Place a single layer of eggs in a non-metal pot with the dye source.

3. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a

simmer for 15-20 minutes, and remove pot from burner. If you like the color as

it is, dab off excess dye with a paper towel and set the eggs on a rack to dry.

To deepen the color, leave eggs in the pot until cool. To get even richer

shades, put cool eggs in a bowl, strain the dye water, and pour it over the

eggs. Store the submerged eggs in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Note: Quantities are based on 1 quart of liquid. Amounts of dyeing ingredients

are approximate; more dyestuff and longer dye baths produce the deepest colors.

All boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator, and any that have soaked

in hot or warm water for several hours should not be eaten.Natural Easter Egg

Dye #1: Brewed coffee

Quantity: 1 quart strong coffee plus water to cover the eggs

Color: BrownNatural Easter Egg Dye #2: Blueberries

Quantity: Up to 4 cups

Color: LavenderNatural Easter Egg Dye #3: Yellow onion skins

Quantity: Up to 4 packed cups

Color: SiennaNatural Easter Egg Dye #4: Beet juice

Quantity: Half strength or more of the vinegar water

Color: Deep pinkNatural Easter Egg Dye #5: Cranberry juice

Quantity: Full-strength

Color: Light pinkNatural Easter Egg Dye #6: Paprika

Quantity: 3 tablespoons or more

Color: Brick redNatural Easter Egg Dye #7: Turmeric

Quantity: 3 or more tablespoons

Color: Yellow-greenNatural Easter Egg Dye #8: Purple grape juice

Quantity: Half or more of the liquid

Color: Blue-grayNatural Easter Egg Dye #9: Red cabbage

Quantity: 4 or more cups, chopped (boil and then soak overnight)

Color: Robin's egg blueNatural Easter Egg Dye #10: Spinach or grass

Quantity: Up to 4 cups

Color: GreenNatural Easter Egg Dye #11: Red wine

Quantity: Full strength or diluted with water only

Color: Deep purple