FOOD DYE RED 40 RECIPES

Steps:

• For each dye bath combine 1/2 cup boiling water with 1 tsp vinegar and 10 drops of food coloring in a bowl. Start with 5 drops red and 5 drops yellow, for orange for example, or 6 drops blue and 4 drops green for turquoise.
• Dip hard-cooked eggs in dye bath for 3-5 minutes, extend time for richer color. Try using tongs to dip only half an egg in one color, then dip other half in a different color.
• Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove eggs and place on wax paper to dry, blot any excess with a paper towel.
• For tie dyed eggs, add 1 tbsp olive oil to the mixture and stir with a fork. Roll egg gently in bath to pick of streaks of color. Remove egg from bath and blot oil off with a paper towel, then dry on wax paper. Once dry, lightly dip in another color if desired.
• For glitter eggs, brush dried dyed egg with a thin layer of craft glue. Spoon glitter over egg, allow to dry on wax paper. To put glitter on only part of an egg (half blue, half red for example), use masking tape over the un-glittered part (or use stickers for shapes) and once dry remove masking tape and glue/glitter the remaining area.
• For letters, numbers or shapes use small vinyl stickers (office or hardware supplies) and place them on the egg before dying. Once slightly dry peel off stickers gently. You can also use a white crayon to write names or draw pictures.
• If you plan to eat your easter eggs, never leave them unrefrigerated at any point for more than 2 hours.

Steps:

• For the crust: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
• Place the cookies in a large resealable plastic bag and crush until fine crumbs form but there are still a few larger chunks. Pour in the butter, reseal the bag and shake until the cookies are well coated. 
• Firmly press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (use the bottom of a measuring cup to help pack it in and make it even). Bake until crisp and set, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Wrap the bottom and sides of the pan with a large piece of foil and put it in a large roasting pan. 
• For the filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sour cream and beat until just combined. Mix in the eggs by hand, one at a time. Mix in the vanilla by hand until just combined. (Take care not to overmix or the cheesecake will puff up and crack). 
• Pour half of the batter into the springform pan. Sprinkle the chopped cookies over the top and gently press down on them so some sink into the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top. Add enough hot water to the roasting pan to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan.  
• Bake until the outside of the cake is set but the center is still slightly loose, about 1 hour. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. 
• For the topping: Pulse 9 of the cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add the cream cheese and pulse until incorporated and sticky enough to form a ball. Scoop out 1 tablespoon and form into a ball, then roll the ball in the sprinkles until completely covered. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining cookie mixture and sprinkles for 9 balls total. Refrigerate until ready to use. Cut the remaining 5 cookies in half. 
• Run a knife around the edge of the pan once more and open the clasp to unmold the cheesecake. Transfer to a serving plate or cake stand and smooth the edges with a knife. Drizzle the hot fudge sauce all over the top and sides of the cake, and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly, letting some drip over the sides. Make a decorative ring around the edge of the cheesecake with the cookie balls. Place a cookie half cut-side down in between each ball. Serve cold.