Happy Easter From
Your Extension Office

 

by: Johanna Hicks
Agri-Life Extension Agent

 

The temperature in northeast Texas has truly been a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, but one thing we know - it's spring time and Easter is upon us!  This is probably the most meaningful time of year for Christians across the world.     

Eggs have been used to celebrate spring for centuries.  Immigrant settlers brought symbolic Easter rabbits and colored eggs to America.  Since then, Easter egg hunts have been beloved by children.  You can make sure your Easter egg hunts are fun and safe by following these simple guidelines: 1)  Before buying eggs, inspect them to make sure they are not cracked.  Dangerous bacteria can enter a cracked egg. 2)  Store the eggs in their original carton in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.  Keep eggs away from foods with strong odors (such as onions or fish).  3)  Always wash your hands in hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before handling any food, including eggs. 4)  Don't worry if the eggs are a week old.  These tend to be easier to peel after cooked than fresh eggs.     

For the perfect hard-cooked egg: - Place eggs in single layer in a saucepan and add enough water to cover at least 1 inch above the eggs. - Cover the pan and quickly bring to a boil.  Turn off the heat and let covered eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. - Immediately run cold water over the eggs of place them in ice water until they are completely cooled. - Dry and refrigerate the eggs, or go ahead and decorate them. - Do not decorate cracked eggs.  Instead, refrigerate and use them in salads or other dishes.     

 

 

According to the American Egg Board, you can also make your own natural colors, but you'll need to start with uncooked eggs.  Simply simmer the uncooked eggs in water for up to 20 minutes with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar per cup of water and one of the following materials.  This is an art, so experiment until you get the color you want: Fresh beets or cranberries, frozen raspberries = pinkish red Yellow onion skins = orange Orange or lemon peels, carrot tops, celery seed or ground cumin = light yellow Ground turmeric = yellow Spinach leaves = pale green Yellow delicious apple peels = green-gold Canned blueberries or reg cabbage leaves = blue Strong brewed coffee = beige     

After decorating the eggs, return them to the refrigerator until time for the hunt.  Do not hide cracked eggs, and avoid hiding them in areas that will come in contact with pets or lawn chemicals.  Gather the eggs as soon as possible after they are hidden.  Do not eat if they remain hidden overnight.      After the hunt, inspect the eggs.  Return them to the refrigerator within 2 hours.  Uneaten eggs may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.  Have fun and remember to keep your Easter safe!  

Closing Thought Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.      

 

Johanna Hicks
Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Hopkins County
Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences
1200 Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 Phone: 903-885-3443
Fax: 903-439-4909
e-mail: jshicks@ag.tamu.edu

 

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