Create your own Easter egg dyes

Is this the year you say, “To heck with packaged Easter egg dye kits?”

Though convenient, reliable and quick, kits are also predictable: the blinding turquoise, murky purples and fierce yellows that result are not nature’s normal colors.

Instead, everyday ingredients and kitchen scraps – from turmeric to red cabbage – can produce a stunning array of colors, vibrant or subtle. (We got our ideas from Martha Stewart Living, www.foodtv.com and various cookbooks.)

There are two ways to dye eggs. In the hot-dyed method, raw eggs simmer in a dye mixture. The cold-dyed method, which we prefer and for which we include directions, is far simpler and safer, too, because it calls for precooked eggs that kids can immediately get their hands on.

You will need: uncooked white eggs, white vinegar and dye ingredients (see below). To prepare the eggs: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, carefully add the eggs and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water until they cool slightly, then drain.

To prepare the dyes: In a large pot, bring 1 quart (4 cups) water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon white vinegar and the dyeing ingredients listed for each color. Return the water to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat; strain, discarding the solids, and set aside to cool. Repeat with each dye you plan to use.

To dye the eggs: When the eggs and dyes are cool enough to touch, carefully pour the liquid in a bowl, cup or jar and add the eggs. Depending on the desired color, the eggs may need only a few minutes, or as long as two hours, or even overnight. Transfer the eggs to a plate lined with a paper towel or back into the egg carton to dry.

Blue: 4 cups chopped red cabbage, 4 additional cups water, 3 additional tablespoons white vinegar

Caramel: 3 to 4 tablespoons garam masala (an Indian blend of up to 12 spices, available at most stores)

Lavender: 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Mocha: Substitute strongly brewed coffee for the full amount of water in the dyeing directions above.

Pink: For pale pink, substitute cranberry juice cocktail for the full amount of water in the dyeing directions above. For dark pink, use 4 cups chopped fresh or canned beets.

Purple: Substitute black cherry juice or red wine for the full amount of water in the dyeing directions above.

Yellow: For pale yellow, use 3 to 4 tablespoons curry powder. For bright yellow, use 3 to 4 tablespoons powdered turmeric.