Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs

I'm a talk radio junkie. I listen to music all day at home so when I go into the car, it's talk radio time. (sorry kids). The other day on NPR there was a show on that I can't seem to shake -- Moms Petition Mars to Remove Artificial Dyes from M&Ms.

The use of synthetic dyes is so prevalent in our society that no one seems to even pay that much attention anymore. What I found astonishing was that Europe has already stripped artificial dyes from their foods. So American companies are making their foods different for Europe than they are for their own country. Come on America, let's get with it!! There are studies that have shown links to hyperactivity in children to artificial food dyes. While these studies aren't conclusive, they are are strong enough for another country to see the harm and act on it for the better of their children.

When I got home, I wanted to read a little more into this, because of course, you can't believe everything that you hear. I found lots of moms out there trying to make a difference. One website, Die, Food Dye! is about a Mother who has a child allergic to food dyes and what she has discovered along the way.

This week is Easter, the week moms everywhere are filling baskets with candy, toys and dyed eggs. I know I will be thinking twice! This year, I will be giving them a plant for the garden that they can call their own and take care of, some homemade playdough (that I still need to make but found a great recipe), new sidewalk chalk and some ...

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs

1. Boil your eggs and chill them right away to stop the cooking process. I put my eggs in the water right away (when you put cold eggs into boiling water, they may crack easier). Then, bring the water to boil. I let them rapid boil for 12-14 minutes and then cool.

Red/Orange: 2T paprika

Green: 1 c packed spinach

Yellow: 2 T tumeric

Pink: 1 medium beet, diced

Blue: 1/2 c blueberries

Add 1 c of boiling water + 2 T distilled white vinegar to each coloring. Mix in the color thoroughly. Then, add the eggs. I had them sit for about 40 minutes.

They are beautiful! And it doesn't even bother me anymore that the dye leaks into some of the cracks in the eggs. I'll still eat it.