Easter Cookies

This is another Easter lesson. I've never heard of this one before, but it is much more in depth than the Resurrection Rolls. And I really like that about it.

(Make these the Night before Easter)

1 c. whole pecans
3 egg whites (room temperature)
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vinegar
pinch salt
zipper baggie
tape
Wooden Spoon
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important DON'T wait until you're halfway done with the recipe). Place pecans in zipper baggie and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. READ JOHN 19: 1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain 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 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 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 of sugar. Explain the sweetest part of the story is Jesus died because he loves us and died for our sins. He wants us to know and belong to him. READ PSALMS 34:8 and JOHN 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain 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 each mount represent 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 Jesus' tomb was sealed. READ MATTHEW 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain 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. One Easter morning, oven 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