Coloring eggs is a favorite Easter family tradition at our house. We’ve always used the kits which are fun, quick and easy. But I’ve often wondered how to color eggs the old fashioned way. I decided this was the year to give it a try, with a little help from a friend.

I am thrilled to have lifestyle expert Kristen Karpinsky, of Bespoke Influence, show us natural dye techniques that deliver exquisite egg colors. Natural dyes produce beautiful, rich organic color on both white and brown eggs. The most vivid colors come from red beet, purple cabbage, red and yellow onion. Surprisingly, fruit-based dye (blueberry and grape juice) produces a marbled appearance to the eggs.

You’ll want to make these technicolor eggs the focal point of your holiday table centerpiece.

Short on time and looking for tips on the easiest ways to boil and decorate eggs? Kristen also shows us how to hard boil the perfect egg and jazz it up in minutes, with minimal mess. Let’s get started!

WARNING: natural dyes are very potent and can stain on contact, so be sure protect your counter and clothing.

Coloring Eggs with Natural Dye

Ingredients:

• organic white and brown eggs

• red: cabbage, red onion, red beet

• yellow: onion, gold beet

• blue: frozen blueberries , blackberries

• purple: Concord grape juice

• golden bronze: tumeric

• water

• vinegar

• mason jars

Directions:

• Start by using a 1 to 1 ratio of your fruit/veggies to water (except turmeric which is a 2 tablespoon to 1 cup water ratio)

• Place one cup shredded purple cabbage and one cup water in a kettle and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes and let cool.

• Strain dye into a mason jar or any recycled glass container such as pickle or jam jars.

• Add one tablespoon vinegar, then gently place eggs in your mixture and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.

• Dipping more than once is more effective than soaking longer

• Remove eggs after the first soak, let them dry off and then re-submerged the eggs in the dye for a second soak.

• Repeat process with each fruit/veggie mixutre

Easy Egg Decorating Tips:

No time to mess with natural dyes? Grab the trusty PAAS kit that comes with all the tools you need. This is perfect when you have small kids. Spruce up your eggs up by using the stickers provided in the box, purchase decorative strips of jewels from Michaels, or your local craft store. The end result of the quick and easy method can also deliver stunning accents for your Easter brunch table.

Zabelicious Tip

When the Easter egg hunt is over, whip up some deviled eggs or egg salad sandwiches. Check out these two recipes I found from one of my favorite chefs, "Barefoot Contessa,” Ina Garten; Egg Salad Tartines and Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs. Enjoy a new twist on a couple of classic recipes that will impress your guests.