Easter Tradition

My little chefs are all ready to pass on a special recipe we discovered this year to better understand about Christ's suffering, death and ressurection. Thanks, Mom for the idea!

Easter Cookies

To be made Saturday night before Easter. Preheat oven to 300.

***1 cup whole pecans ~ put them in a ziplock and let children beat them with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Set aside. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by theRoman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

***1 tsp. vinegar. Let child smell this. Put into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty he was given vinegar. Read Jn 19:28-30

***3 egg whites. Add to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to have us life. Read Jn 10:10,11

***Sprinkle a little salt in each child's hand. Let them taste it and 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 Luk 23-27.

***So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesu died because He loves us so much. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps 34:8 and John 3:16

***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 Is. 1:18 and John 3:1-3 (note from the editor: it is important to beat with the mixer for the full 12-15 minutes or they don't come out as they are supposed to)

***Fold in the 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 Mt. 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 door4. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Mt 27:65-66

***GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.

***Jesus' followers were very sad when the tomb was sealed. Read Jn 16:20 and 22

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

I think they like it.