While looking for egg dying packets this year, I was a little disappointed. As a child, I remember the choices to be limited to only a few color schemes that maybe came with stickers, a magic crayon, and wire scoop. Now, it seems that simplicity isn’t an option — rather your choices are glitter, marble glaze, or an abundance of accessories to make the eggs look like Disney characters, Minions, or Marvel superheroes. If you’re like me, the simple colors and the process of sitting around the kitchen table dyeing dozens of eggs lined up in cartons is Easter nostalgia. Today’s options seem too over-the-top and complicated for parents to keep children entertained and happy. This recipe brings dyeing eggs back to basics: hot water, hard-boiled eggs, vinegar, and food coloring. They are simple, but the memories made while making them with your family are nothing commercial dye packets can create. 

Ingredients
1 dozen eggs, hard-boiled
Water, boiled
Food coloring
White vinegar 

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and carefully measure ½ cup of water into heat-resistant containers (canning jars work well).  
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vinegar in each container. Then add 10-20 drops of food coloring depending on the color you want.
3. Place an egg in the dye for five minutes, flipping the eggs halfway through to ensure both sides are dyed evenly.
4. Using a spoon, remove the eggs pressing against the side of the container to drain excess dye. Place eggs in an egg carton to dry completely before handling. If not used immediately, store eggs in the refrigerator. 

Notes

1. To hard-boil eggs, place eggs in the bottom of a pot and fill with water just until eggs are covered. Over high heat, bring water to a rolling boil. Turn off heat, cover, and let set for 15 minutes. For dyed eggs you want a fully set, firm center. Drain eggs and place in a bowl filled with water and ice. Let eggs cool completely before dying. 
2. You can use brown or white eggs. Dyed brown eggs will be less vibrant and might require additional time in the dye liquid to achieve preferred color. 
3. After refrigerating dyed eggs, pat the eggs dry with a paper towel before handling. This will prevent the moisture from the refrigerator transferring dye to your hands or clothes.

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