NATURAL EASTER EGGS
Natural Easter Eggs dyed with onion skins, fresh herbs, and flowers offer an easy, simple, yet stunning way to celebrate the season.
Yield: 12 eggs
Materials
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cups yellow onion skins mixed with red peels (packed)
- 2 qt water
- fresh cilantro sprigs parsley, other greens or flowers (for decoration)
- nylon stocking and thread
Instructions
Homemade Natural Easter Egg Dye:
- Place the onion peels in a pot with 2 liters of water and submerge them by pressing down with a spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer the onion peels, covered with a lid, for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Method #1: Herb Patterns
- Carefully wash the eggs with lukewarm water to remove anything that might be clinging to the surface. Then, dry them with a kitchen towel. Cut the nylon stocking into 5-inch squares. Each egg needs to be wrapped individually. Place one sprig of cilantro, parsley, or a flower over the egg, being careful to keep the herbs from wrinkling or folding. Wrap each egg gently in the stocking, then tighten by connecting the ends of the cut stocking and tying with thread to secure it. (If you want the herb prints, nylons are essential to tightly keep the herbs in place on the eggs.) Cut off the excess stocking. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
- Carefully place the eggs, one by one, in the pot with onion peels using a slotted spoon, making sure the eggs are fully submerged in the water and covered with the onion skins (for the best results, add 6 eggs at a time). Once the eggs are in the pot, return it to the heat, set a timer, and boil over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the eggs rest in the dye until they are cool enough to handle. The longer the eggs sit in the dye, the deeper the color will be. If they are not red enough, allow them to sit in the warm liquid for at least 10 more minutes or until the desired color is achieved.
- Carefully remove the eggs with a slotted spoon. Then, use scissors to cut away the stocking and carefully remove the herbs, leaves, or flowers, discarding the herbs. Continue until all the eggs are uncovered. Place the eggs on a plate and let them dry. Do not rub the eggs while they're still wet. Add some olive oil to a paper towel and gently rub each egg until it is shiny all over. Refrigerate the eggs until ready to serve.
Method #2: Solid Woodsy Colours
- Place the eggs directly into the pot with the onion peel, ensuring the eggs are fully submerged in the water. No pantyhose or additional materials are needed for this simple method. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. Once cooked, allow the eggs to cool in the dye for deeper color or remove them immediately for a lighter hue.
Notes
Store dyed eggs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container to keep them fresh.