With some casseroles which are thick and heavy or

With some casseroles which are thick and heavy or cotltain cheese-lasagna, for example-it may be difficult to decide if the knife show uncooked egg or melted cheese. In such cases, a thermomenter is the only accurate test.

Stirred custards, also known as soft custards, are done when the mixture coats a metal spoon. At this point, the mixture will be well above 160 degrees F.

Eggnogs and homemade ice creams, often made with raw eggs, can easily be made safe by using a stirred custard base cooked until the mixture coats a metal spoon or reaches 160 degrees F. Chill well before freezing or service.

Cook scrambled eggs, frittatas, omeletes, and French toast unti the eggs are thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. 7

Poached eggs in simmering water until the whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken but are not hard, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Cook fried eggs slowly until the yolks begin to thicken but are not hard, covering with a lid or turning the eggs to cook both sides.

For soft-cooked eggs, bring eggs and water to a boil. Turn off heat. Cover and let stand about 4 to 5 minutes.

This week’s recipe is one from the Virginia Egg Council. It is for a Microwave Egg Dye as we approach the Easter season plus some hints for safe handling of eggs during an Easter egg hunt.

Springtime Traditions

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon liquid food coloring

1 tablespoon vinegar

Combine the above in a custard cup or styrofoam cup. Microwave on high for 1 1/2-2 minutes. Dye hard cooked eggs or blown shells as you would normally do. This dye can be reheated and reused. Coat colored eggs with a thin coat of vegetable oil for a shiney surface.

Hints For Hunts:

Wash hands thoroughly before cooking, cooling, dyeing and hiding.

Store cooked eggs in their cartons in the refrigerator and don’t color or hide cracked eggs.

When coloring, use water warmer than eggs and refrigerate in their cartons right after coloring and use food-grade dyes and coloring if planning to eat eggs.

Hide eggs where they will not come in contact with animals, birds and lawn fertilizer.

Refrigerate eggs after they are hidden and found, discarding any that are cracked or have been left out for more than two hours.

Tips For Perfect Dyed Eggs

Wash with mild detergent solution-color will adhere better.

For richer colors, add white vinegar to dying solution.

For blown shells-pierce both ends of egg, scramble inside with a toothpick, and blow through one end over a bowl. Use blown egg for a baked egg product. Wash inside of egg with a water/bleach solution, let dry and color away.

Hard cooked eggs are easier for children to color, but make sure to refrigerate immediately if you plan to eat the eggs. Any eggs left out of refrigerate for more than a few hours should be discarded.

Plan to use your hard cooked eggs within the week for salads, casseroles and just plain eating.

For more information contact: The Virginia Egg Council, 911 Saddleback Court, McLean, Va. 22102.