Easter Story Cookies

I was reminded today while eating lunch with some friends of a great activity to do with my kids. Thanks Sharmin...even though you didn't mention it, seeing you reminded me since you gave me this several years ago.

Easter Story Cookies

Cookies to be made with children the evening before Easter.  Things you'll need:
1 cup whole pecans                                     1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites                                                 pinch salt
1 cup sugar                                                   zipper baggie
wooden spoon                                             tape
Bible

*Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is imporant - don't wait until you're half done with the recipe!)
*Place pecans in zipper baggie & 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 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.  Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He 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.  Read John 10:10-11.
*Sprinkle a little salt into 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 Luke 23:27
*So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup 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 & John 3:16.
*Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain tha 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 seat 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 - 22
*On Easter morning, open the oven and 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 & Rejoice!