(Maria Benardis)
The Red Egg is a vital component of any Greek Easter celebration. The egg symbolizes the renewal of life and the red color symbolizes the blood of Christ. The cracking of the red eggs among Greek Orthodox families symbolizes the opening of the tomb and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
After the Sunday morning meal each person grabs a colored egg and cracks it against those of the other guests saying “Hristos anesti” (Christ has risen) and “Allithos anesti” (truly Christ has risen). The person whose egg remains unbroken will enjoy good luck for the rest of the year.
Greekalicious’ makes designs on the eggs from the leaves of herbs. Using parsley leaves placed on the egg, Greekalicious takes a little piece of fabric stocking fabric and ties it around tightly dying the egg.
Red dye and other colors can be bought from any Greek cake shop or good delicatessen.
Cook Time:1 hours5 min
Prep Time:5 min
Total Time:1 hours10 min
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
12 fresh white eggs
3/4 cup white vinegar
Red food dye or coloring
Water
Olive oil and a cloth
Preparation:
Wash each egg with a soft cloth and then place carefully in a saucepan.
Fill the saucepan with cold water to cover the eggs and boil for about an hour on a very low simmer so that they don’t break. Allow the eggs to cool down to room temperature.
In another saucepan add some water to cover most of the saucepan. Bring to the boil and add the red dye and vinegar to the water and allow to boil for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to a low simmer.
With a spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the boiling dye solution. Leave in for a couple of minutes until the eggs have turned a vibrant red color. Remove the eggs carefully with a spoon, place on paper towels and allow to cool slightly. Then wipe the eggs with a little olive oil and dry off with a paper towel.
Fun stories about food, relationships, the great outdoors and more.