Easter Story Cookies

Lisa Bumstead shared this recipe. It didn't quite fit on the newsletter, so we opted for the blog. This seems like a fun idea for kids and adults! Thanks, Lisa!

1 C. whole pecans or walnuts
1 C. sugar
1 tsp. vinegar
Zip-Loc bag, other secure bag
3 egg whites
wooden spoon
Pinch of salt
Tape
Bible

Preheat over to 300 degrees. Put pecans in baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon. Explain that after Christ was arrested, He was beaten. Read John 19:1-3.

Let children smell the vinegar. Put vinegar in mixing bowl. Explain that Jesus was thirsty on the cross and was given 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. John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt in each child's hand, let children taste the salt and then put a pinch in the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

Now, add 1 cup of sugar and explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to seek Him--pray to Him and praise Him (in song and in prayer). Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with mixer on high speed for about 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain the color while 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 broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls 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 cookie sheet in 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' friends were so sad 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 and take a bit. The cookies are hollow. On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-10. HE HAS RISEN!