Overview
The Christian festival of Easter embodies many pre-Christian traditions. According to the 8th-century scholar Saint Bede, the name "Easter" comes from an Anglo-Saxon female deity whom the tribe revered. Every April, the Germanic tribes held a festival in her honor. Because of these celebrations, the rabbit -- a symbol of fertility -- as well as colored eggs in the sunlight hues of spring, became symbols of the holiday. Easter eggs should be boiled before they are colored. Send Easter Gifts from RedEnvelope.com
Step 1
Place a single layer of eggs in the bottom of a medium to large pan. Add cool water to the eggs, covering them no more than 1 inch above the tops.
Step 2
Turn the stove temperature to high, and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Step 3
Remove the pot from the heat after it comes to a boil. Place a tight fitting lid on the egg pot.
Step 4
Set an egg timer to 17 minutes for medium eggs or 20 minutes for large eggs.
Step 5
Remove the lid from the pot when the prescribed time has elapsed. Fill a bowl with cold water, and place the eggs in the water. Work slowly to avoid cracking the eggshells. Let them cool for 10 minutes.
Step 6
Place a folded handed towel in the bottom of a colander. Place the colander in the sink. Scoop out the eggs carefully with the slotted spoon. Place them on the towel.
Ingredients
- Large pan
- Pan lid
- Egg timer
- Bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Colander
- Hand towel
Tips
Test one egg from your batch for doneness by spinning the egg on a flat surface. If the egg spins smoothly and quickly, it is hardboiled. If the egg wobbles, it needs to cook longer.
Warnings
If you stack several layers of eggs in your pot, they will cook unevenly.