As Easter approaches, families prepare for festive activities, with egg decorating a cherished tradition. This enjoyable pastime brings families together and allows for creative expression for grown-ups and littles alike. It’s important to remember safety when handling and decorating eggs to ensure a healthy and enjoyable experience for everyone. Read on for great tips and a downloadable egg decorating guide to help you make the most of your egg decorating fun!
Egg Safety and Handling
When working with raw or cooked eggs, proper handling is really important in preventing foodborne illnesses, particularly Salmonella contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 20,000 eggs may contain Salmonella (CDC). Safe handling practices protect young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, who are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.
- Purchase and Storage: Buy eggs from a reputable source, ensuring they are clean and free from cracks. Store them in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) until you’re ready to use them (United States Department of Agriculture).
- Preparation: Before boiling, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Clean any surfaces and utensils that will come into contact with the eggs.
- Boiling Eggs: Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan, cover them with at least an inch of water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 9-12 minutes, depending on egg size. Afterward, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
- How Long Can Eggs Stay Unrefrigerated?
- Raw, unwashed eggs should not be left out for more than two hours (or one hour if temperatures exceed 90°F) (USDA).Hard-boiled, undecorated eggs should also be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and consumed within one week.
- Decorated eggs should be refrigerated within two hours, especially if they will be eaten later. If eggs are being used for display purposes, consider blowing out the contents using a sanitized syringe or rubber bulb rather than using your mouth, as this reduces the risk of bacterial contamination.
- Decorating: Use food-safe dyes and materials. If you plan to consume the eggs later, avoid using non-food-safe decorations or leaving eggs unrefrigerated for extended periods.
Local Easter Events in the Kingwood Area
Engaging in community events can enhance your Easter celebrations. Here are some local happenings:
- Easter in the Park
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Town Center Park, Kingwood
The event features egg hunts segmented by age groups, starting at 10:30 AM for ages 0-2, with subsequent hunts for older children. Photos with the Easter Bunny are available from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. - Kingwood Methodist Church Egg Hunt
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Kingwood Methodist Church
This event includes bounce houses and games. Remember to bring a basket and a dozen filled eggs for each child participating.
Show Us Your Eggs!
Egg decorating is a delightful way to celebrate Easter, fostering creativity and family bonding. You can ensure a festive and secure holiday experience by adhering to the safety guidelines we’ve shared here and embracing various decorating techniques. If you’ve made Easter eggs you’d like to share, post them on Facebook or Instagram and hashtag #KEHEaster and we’ll share them with our community.
At Elite Hospital Kingwood, your health and safety are our top priorities. As a concierge-style emergency hospital, we ensure board-certified emergency physicians promptly attend to patients. Our facility boasts onsite labs and radiology, and we operate 24/7, every day of the year, including the Easter holiday.
For more information, visit our website: https://elitekingwood.com/
Address: 23330 US-59 N, Kingwood, TX 77339
Phone: (832) 777-6165
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food Safety and Egg Handling. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2024, www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/eggs.html.
United States Department of Agriculture. Shell Eggs from Farm to Table. 2024, www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education.