Two children holding red-dyed Easter eggs while sitting at a table with four cups of Easter egg dye.

Easter egg safety

Hide plastic eggs and save the colored hard-boiled eggs for display and later eating. Do not leave hard-boiled eggs out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.

Purchasing and storing eggs

PURCHASING: Purchase eggs before the 'sell by' or expiration (EXP) date on the carton.

STORING: Refrigerate the eggs in their original carton and place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator not in the door. For the best quality, use eggs within 3-5 weeks of the date you purchase them. The 'sell by' date will usually expire during that length of time, but the USDA says the eggs are still perfectly safe to eat.

How to dye Easter eggs

1/2 cup water

1 Tablespoon vinegar

Food coloring

Combine the above ingredients in a small cup. The amount listed is for one color only. Repeat for as many colors as needed. Directions for colors that must be mixed are on the food coloring boxes. 

Tips for a healthier Easter holiday

  1. Start with a healthy breakfast
  2. Fill up on veggies
  3. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
  4. Enjoy a small amount of candy after a meal
  5. Be active -- go for a walk after Easter dinner 
  6. Re-think the Easter basket -- fill it with toys, coins, or art supplies!

Ways to use hard-boiled eggs

Egg Salad Sandwich: Use whole grain bread and try adding curry powder, chili powder, chopped celery, or chopped green onions. (To make egg salad, mash hard-boiled edds with a little light mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.)

In a Salad: Add thinly sliced, chopped hard-boiled eggs to green salad, pasta salad, or salads made with whole grains. 

Deviled Eggs: Instead of using mayonnaise to make the filling, try low-fat yogurt or sour cream.

Breakfast Burritos: Hard-boiled eggs can substitute for the usual scrambled eggs in breakfast burritos. Add beans, brown rice, cheese, as well as lightly cooked vegetables.

www.thekitchn.com 

Featured Recipes

Breakfast Burritos

Beat together the eggs and milk in a small bowl.Lightly coat skillet with nonstick cooking spray. pour egg mixture into pan and cook, stirring constantly, over medium to low heat until eggs become firm. Remove from heat (eggs will continue to cook).Spoon half of egg mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top each with half of the cheese.Fold or roll tortilla and serve with salsa.

breakfast

Create Your Own Salad

Arrange greens on large plate or bowl.Add vegetables and/or fruits plus meat, beans, or egg.Add dried fruit, cheese, or nuts.Add dressing.