Painted Easter Eggs

Gently place eggs in single layer in large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover eggs by 1 inch (2 1/2 cm). Cover. Bring just to boil on high heat. Remove from heat. Let stand 12 minutes. (Adjust time up or down by 3 minutes for each size larger or smaller).

Pour off hot water and rapidly cool eggs by running them under cold water (or place in ice water) until completely cooled.

Mix 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) vinegar and drops of food colour in a small container to achieve desired colour. Repeat for each colour. Paint hard-cooked eggs with small paintbrush or cotton swabs. Allow eggs to dry.

Test Kitchen Tips: •Line work surface with layers of newspaper before dyeing eggs.
•Gather all equipment including small bowls or cups for each food colour, spoons for each bowl and paper towels for spills. Bowls should be deep enough to completely submerge the egg.
•For easy clean-up, use soap and water repeatedly to remove food colour from hands and most kitchen countertops. If needed, use all-purpose cleaner with bleach for countertops.
•Make an egg drying stand out of a paper towel tube cut into sections.