Blowing out eggs is a fun, safe alternative to hard-boiling. Dyed egg shells can be displayed for several days or even weeks. Plus, you can still use the eggs for cooking.
You might consider making blown out eggs this Easter because of food safety. Hard-boiled eggs should not be kept out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. If you decide to go the hard-boiled route, see our tips for hard-boiling eggs and safely enjoying Easter.
When the egg contents are carefully removed, the shell can be decorated and kept for as long as you’d like. It’s easy and fun, too!
What you’ll need: Fresh eggs, large-sized needle or sharp skewer, bowl to collect egg yolks.
How to blow out an egg:
Step 1: Wash the eggs in warm water. Allow to air dry or dry with a towel.
Step 2: On the small end of the egg, use the needle or skewer to make a small hole.
A good way to do this is to place the tip of the needle against the egg shell. Then place the needle on the table so that the weight of the egg rests on the point of the needle. Gently tap until a small hole is formed.
Step 3: On the large end of the egg, make a slightly larger hole. Then carefully chip away bits of shell to make the opening larger.
Step 4: Insert the skewer or needle into the yolk to break it.
Step 5: Empty the egg shell into the bowl.
To empty the egg shake the egg so the yolk and egg white fall out through the large opening. Or use a baster to push air into the egg and force the contents into the bowl.
Note: The eggs aren’t wasted! You can use the yolks and egg whites as you normally would in any recipe that calls for thorough cooking. Use them right away in dishes such as casseroles, quiches, cakes or bread.
Step 6: Rinse the empty shell under cool running water to clean.
Step 7: Place the egg with the large end down to drain and dry.
Step 8: Decorate.
If dipping eggs in dye, keep in mind that the hollow shells will float, so you’ll need to use your finger or a utensil to get them covered with dye. The dye can also seep inside the shell through the hole, so drain the egg on a towel or newspapers.
Step 9: Display your eggs.
It’s safe to leave blown eggs out for as long as you’d like. So go ahead and make them now and you can enjoy them all through the Easter season.