While the options for coloring and decorating eggs are endless, you always need to start with the same canvas: a hardboiled egg.
Here are a few tips to make sure your eggs come out perfect each time, whether you’re getting ready to decorate them for Easter or just have a craving for some egg salad:
- Use room temperature eggs (out of refrigeration for 1 hour).
- Use eggs that are a week old.
- Using a non-reactive pot prevents yolks from turning color.
- Boiling an egg starting in hot water or cold water? Epicurious says start in hot water!
- Fill a pot with enough water to cover at least an inch over top a single layer of eggs.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil, place an egg straight from the fridge into the boiling pot of water and immediately turn it down to a simmer.
- Timing is everything: Leave undisturbed for 4-14 minutes depending on how runny or firm you like the yolk and the size of the eggs. 4 minutes being really soft with a runny yolk and 14 minutes being completely hard boiled with a crumbly dry yolk. Remove the egg and immediately shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. You may need to experiment a little to find the right timing for your favorite.
- Dry off boiled eggs with paper towels for a dry, clean surface.
Use a wax pen or crayons to draw or write on the eggs before coloring if desired. Now you are ready to color your eggs with your favorite kit or natural dyes!
