Coloring Easter Eggs with a Toddler

This year will be Jordan's second Easter, but his very first time coloring Easter eggs.  One of my mom-friends shared this shaving cream method with me since she had success doing it with her 15 month old daughter.  She got the idea from The Adventures of Action Jackson blog here: http://adventuresofactionjackson.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/shaving-cream-easter-eggs/.  Below is my rendition and experience.

Shaving Cream Easter Eggs

 

 

What You Need

 

~a tray to work on~

~hard boiled eggs~

~shaving cream~

~fork or toothpick~

~food coloring~

~paper plate~

 

 

The Process

 

1.  Spray your shaving cream all over your work tray.

2.  Add drops of different color food coloring to the shaving cream.

3.  Swirl the colors together with a toothpick or a fork.

4.  Roll your eggs around and create beautiful marble patterns.

5.  Place eggs (shaving cream and all) onto paper plate to dry.

6.  Let the colors set for at least 3 hours (or more).

7.  Rinse eggs in a colander in the sink.

8.  Wipe finished eggs clean with a paper towel. 

 

 

Unfortunately, I did not leave our shaving cream on long enough.  Our eggs had the marbleized effect, but the colors weren't very dark.  We also colored eggs with another non-toxic method that used fruity cereals (see below).

 

 

Jordan ended up with "hulk hands" after coloring his eggs.  Luckily, it washed off and faded away by the end of the day.

 



 

Fruity Cereal Easter Eggs

This idea I came across while trying to find a non-hand-dyeing technique.  Originally, the concept was for finger painting; but come to find out, a fair amount of the color transfers to the egg shells.  Makes you wonder what happens when you eat the cereal, right?! Here is where I got the idea:
http://mommymaywe.com/finger-painting-with-cereal-great-for-toddlers/

 
 

 

 What You Need

 

~colorful, fruity cereal~

(i.e. Fruity Pebbles, Fruit Loops)

~hard boiled eggs~

~small mixing bowls and spoons~

~water~

~paper plate~

 

 

The Process

 

1.  Sort the cereal into piles of each color.

2.  Crush the cereal into a powder. 

3.  Add enough water to create your desired consistency.

4.  Roll your eggs around in the paste-like colors.  Feel free to use your hands (or your little one's hands).

5.  Let the eggs sit in the mixture, the longer = the better.

6.  Rinse and wipe the eggs clean.

 

Enjoy!

 

Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Pie

I have recently been on a crockpot cooking craze!  I have been selective in my recipes, as I am trying to make a greater effort to eat more whole foods, and less processed food products.  But what's not to love about a crockpot?  It does the cooking for you!  The possibilities are endless! 

This recipe is from my new favorite, go-to collection called, "Crock On! A Semi-Whole Foods Slow Cooker Cookbook" by Stacy Myers.  The recipe for Cheeseburger Pie, in my opinion, is much better than Betty Crocker's version.  Jarrod has always enjoyed cheeseburger pie as one of his top comfort foods; however, I have never been able to make it like his mother used to, or as Betty Crocker had intended.  But this slow-cooker recipe is a game changer!  The addition of chopped pickles in this recipe helps to recreate the actual cheeseburger taste!  

Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Pie

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
0.5 cup natural ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
0.25 cup chopped pickles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
1 egg
1 cup white wheat flour
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning

 

1.  Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet.

 

2.  Stir in tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, salt, and chopped pickles. 

 

3.  Pour into greased 4 quart crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 hours. 

 

4.  Remove lid and stir.  Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

 

5.  In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and Italian seasoning.

6.  Stir in milk and egg and beat until well combined.  Pour over meat and cheese mixture.  Spread evenly.  Return lid and cook on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until dough tests done with a toothpick.
 

As I already mentioned, Jarrod loves cheeseburger pie.  He ate his with additional ketchup and mustard on top, and additional pickles on the side.