Easter Story Cookies (to be made the night before Easter)

My aunt gave this recipe to me several years ago (before Danielle was born) and when Tyler was still too young to appreciate the significance. I am looking forward to trying it with them this year. I pulled it out to reference while making my grocery list this evening and thought I would go ahead and post it here in case anyone else wants to try it. (Please keep in mind that I have not tried it yet, either. I am just copying the recipe I intend to follow.)

You need:

• 1 cup whole pecans
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch salt
• 1 cup sugar
• wooden spoon
• tape
• Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (This is important - don't wait until you're half done w/the recipe)

Place the pecans in zipper bag & let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given the vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it & brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add the sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:15.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes, until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door, and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven & give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface & take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.