How to Dye Marbleized Easter Eggs

Materials Needed:

• eggs
• liquid food colors (red, yellow, blue and green)
• olive oil
• distilled white vinegar
• mugs or small bowls (one for each color)
• paper towels

• fork (one for each color)
• teaspoon
• tablespoon
• 1/2 cup measuring cup
• large pot with lid
• tongs or a slotted spoon

Hard-Boil Eggs

Place eggs in a single layer in a deep pot. Fill the pot with cold water — the eggs should be completely covered by one to two inches of water (Image 1). Bring the pot, uncovered, to a rolling boil then remove the pot from heat and add the lid. Allow the eggs to continue to cook for another 12 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the eggs from the pot and place on a towel to cool (Image 2).

Mix Oil, Water and Dye Solutions

Add 1/2 cup water to mugs or small bowls (one for each color), then microwave until water boils. Remove from microwave. To each mug add 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil and at least 20 drops of food coloring. Stir to mix. Because oil and water don't mix, the olive oil will float on the surface.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-

Roll Eggs in Oil

Use a fork to break up the floating olive oil then carefully roll an egg in the oil before submerging it (Images 1 and 2). Tip: The olive oil will form globules on the surface of the egg which prevent the dye from penetrating the shell. This creates a mottled effect.