Traditionally, Easter is one of the most important holidays to people with a Greek heritage. Everything is ceremonialized and imbued with a deeper meaning - even the red Greek Easter eggs, which are easy to make. Keep reading and you and your family can enjoy their color and meaning this spring season.
Tips:
- Think of the meaning behind these eggs when you make them. The red color symbolizes the blood of Christ that was shed to absolve the sins of man.
- Use the entire packet of dye instead of just 1/2 the packet to achieve a deeper, more brilliant, red color.
- Polish each dyed egg with a soft cloth dipped in olive oil to achieve a soft sheen.
Steps:
- Order or purchase a packet or two of red egg dye. One of the best dyes is made by a company called Krinos.
- Purchase 2 dozen large white eggs. Wash and dry the eggs thoroughly and examine them for any cracks.
- Empty 1/2 packet of red dye into a teacup of just-boiled water. Stir until dye is completely dissolved.
- Fill a 10- to 12-qt. cooking pot 3/4 full of water and add about 4 oz. of distilled vinegar. Bring the vinegar water to a boil.
- Add the dissolved dye to the boiling vinegar water. As the mixture reaches a full rolling boil, froth will develop on the surface; skim this froth off before adding your eggs.
- Put the desired number of eggs to be colored into the dye mixture and boil as you would normally prepare hard-boiled eggs, usually about 5 minutes. You may use all 2 dozen eggs if you like.
- Remove the eggs from the heat and let them stand in the dye for several more minutes before taking them out of the water.
Warnings:
Do not overboil your eggs and risk having one explode in the pot. One broken egg can easily contaminate the dye mixture and ruin the finish on all your eggs.