Recipe: Easter Story Cookies

This recipe usually shows up close to Easter, so I thought I would post it a little early so your family could try it before hand.

(To be made the evening before Easter)

Supplies: 
A Bible 
1 Cup Whole Pecans

1 tsp. White Vinegar

3 Egg Whites

Pinch Sea Salt

1 Cup Sugar

Gallon Size Ziplock Bag

Wooden Spoon
Scotch Tape
Waxed Paper
Cookie Sheet

FIRST: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. 
THIS IS IMPORTANT… do not wait until you are halfway done with the recipe…!)

Then begin…

*Place pecans in the zipper baggie and let children beat them with a wooden spoon to break them into small pieces. (set aside)

Explain that Jesus was arrested; and then he was beaten by the Roman soldiers…much the same way those pecans were just beaten… 
READ: John 19:1-3

*Let each child smell the vinegar; then add 1 tsp. into the mixing bowl.

Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given something like vinegar to drink... 
READ: John 19:28-30

*Add egg whites to vinegar.

Explain that eggs represent life. 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 and brush the rest into the mixing 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! NOW, add one cup of sugar.

Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know Him, and belong to Him... 
READ: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

*Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 –15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.

Since this requires some time, you might watch and discuss Jeffrey R. Holland's talk "None Were With Him"

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 and John 3:1-3

*Fold in the broken nuts. Drop the mixture by rounded teaspoons onto waxed paper on a cookie sheet.

Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid... 
READ: Matthew 27:57-60

*Put the cookie sheet into the oven, close the door, and turn the oven OFF! 

Give each child a piece of tape to “seal shut” the oven door.

Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed...
READ: Matthew 27:65-66

*Tell the children "Time to go to bed!"

Explain that the children may feel sad and confused to leave the cookies in the oven overnight—much like Jesus’ followers were sad and confused when the tomb was sealed...

READ: John 16:20 and 22

*On Easter Morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie! Notice the cracked surface (as though they’ve been “opened”) and take a bite. The cookies are HOLLOW!

Explain that on the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb was open and empty!! 
READ: Matthew 28:1-9