Just for Fun: Who knew eggs could be even cuter?
Molding eggs into cute shapes has become a small obsession at my house, so I really wanted to talk about it here. You can buy great eggs at Trader Joe's: Nicely-priced, organic eggs from vegetarian-fed chickens. So for those of you who love cute food, have kids, are obsessed with bento lunches, or just want to try something different: I give you Japanese Molded Eggs.
All you need are some plastic Egg Molds — It's easy, so let's get crackin'!
Why molded eggs?
The 60's called and they want their egg misconceptions back! Eggs are healthy after all! Research now shows that dietary cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol. Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and carotenoids. Eat them in moderation as part of a healthy complete and balanced diet.
Why molded eggs? Kids love them, they add a fun twist to a familiar shape, and well...they're just so darn cute!
Choose organic vegetarian-fed eggs
Look specifically for "organic" and "vegetarian-fed" on the package.
For molded eggs, use "Large" eggs. Doesn't matter if they're white or brown.
DID YOU KNOW? What makes some hardboiled eggs easy to peel when other times you need a hammer and chisel? For eggs that peel easily, let them stay in your fridge for 4 or 5 days first before hardboiling. Very fresh eggs are hard to peel when hardboiled.
Step 1: Introducing Japanese Egg Molds
These are plastic, hinged molds that snap shut. You can find them on ebay (search "egg molds") or in Japanese groceries or specialty shops (easier to find in cities like NYC or San Francisco)
They come in various shapes, including character shapes such as Hello Kitty.
Step 2: Boiling Your Eggs
How to Boil a Perfect Egg
Fill your pot with cold water, add the eggs gently, and place over high heat.
When the water comes to a boil, remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Drain immediately (and unless you're doing egg molds, pour in some cool water to stop the eggs from cooking further). You will have a perfectly hardboiled egg.
Step 3: Peel the Egg Quickly While HOT!
Peel the egg while it's still hot. A cold egg can't be molded.
Peel it and run it under cold water occasionally if it is too hot for your fingers.
Step 4: Place Your Egg in the Mold
Place the egg in the mold fat side down.
It will look very big in the mold—don't worry, it'll fit! Really!
Step 5: Close your Mold
Press firmly!
Step 6: Snap it Shut!
Snap the mold shut. Let it cool on the counter for about 15 minutes or drop it into a pan filled with cold water for a couple of minutes.
Step 7: Remove Egg from Mold
Ta-daa!
My son is now hooked on molded eggs. He always asks for them in his lunch box. I'll have to go out and get some new shapes... Thanks for sharing this very cute meal idea!
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I was just curious as to where you got your egg molds?
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I bought my eggs molds from ebay, but if you live somewhere that has Asian/Japanese stores (like San Francisco, LA, NYC) you'll find them there cheaper!
On ebay, search for "egg molds" or "Japan egg molds."
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This is such an awesome idea. I'm definitely doing this next time when I want cute shaped eggs in my salad!
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Wow, that's quite unusul my wife would be very happy if I would show this, first she'll be amazed actually and then I create the suspense that, the idea was mind. Hope you won't mind i'll just do this for fun.
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Nice idea. This would make the kids love eggs even more.
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