Easter Cookies

"This recipe explains the meaning of Easter from a Christian point of view. It is a great way for other religions to understand what Easter means to a Christian. It is also a rememberable way for Christians to share the meaning of Easter with their children."

You will need:

You may wish to print the Bible verses before you begin.

Preheat the oven to 300º (this is very important -- DO NOT wait until you are half-done with the recipe).

Place the pecans in the ziploc bag and let your children beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into small pieces.

Explain how Jesus was beaten by the Roman soldiers after he was arrested, and read
John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar.  Add 1 tsp. vinegar to the mixing bowl.

Explain how, on the cross, Jesus was given vinegar to drink when he said he was thirsty, and read John 19:28-30.

Add the egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us a better life, and 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. Then read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. So, add 1c. sugar, and explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know this, and how to belong to Him. Now read Psalms 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 God sees in those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in the broken pecans. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Then 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 to seal the oven door. Tell how Jesus' tomb was sealed, and read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain how they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight just like 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 and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! Finally, read Matthew 28:1-9