Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Easter Story Cookies




Easter Story Cookies


To be made the evening before Easter




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 important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!)

Place pecans in zipper baggie and 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 1tsp 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 Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 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 and 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. (I like to put a chair in front of the oven instead of using tape. I think it's more symbolic of the tomb being rolled away on Easter Sunday.. AND I'm not so crazy about the residue that tape might leave behind) O=-)

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 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 Matthew 28:1-9.




I've done this with the boys a few times.. it is a GREAT way for them to visualize what our LORD went through for us.. MOST importantly - it's WONDERFUL that they can see that the GRAVE WAS/IS EMPTY!

9 comments:

He & Me + 3 said...

How neat...my kids are allergic to nuts...can you use something else??

Marsha said...

Hi Tonya! I've asked readers this week to share nonbunny Easter tradition. May I put a link to this article for ladies to see?

I totally forgot about these cookies! I remember making these years ago.

Beth E. said...

We used to do this when the boys were little. Our youngest is allergic to tree nuts, so we used chocolate chips!

Greg P. said...

WOW! I had never heard of this. What an excellent way to stress the importance of the suffering and the resurrection of Jesus and to get the point across.

Thanks Tonya.

Addicted to Beadz said...

Hey Tonya,

I too, haven't been around the blogging world much lately. Hope to get back in as well. Thanks for the visit and the reminder of these cookies/easter.

Blessings!

Cheryl

Susan said...

Thank you for sharing such a neat story.
Susan

crispy said...

Hope your Easter weekend is a blessing to you and your family.

He has RISEN. =)

Jennifer said...

I LOVE Resurrection cookies...such a wonderful idea! The lesson will be long remembered... Have a wonderful week...leading to Resurrection Sunday!

Beth E. said...

Hey, Tonya! Thanks so much for keeping in touch...I LOVE to hear from you. :o)

We are excited about the weekend, too. I do not have to work tomorrow, and Bo does not have to go to school tomorrow or Monday. Unfortunately, Bill works tomorrow. :( I'm hoping he can get off work a little early, and we will be able to visit with my parents.

Have a BLESSED Easter...I am especially excited about celebrating this Sunday!

Love you...