A friend of mine from church gave me this recipe.
I thought it was a wonderful way to teach children about the true meaning of Easter.
I found that it is best to measure out all ingredients beforehand.
You will need:
1 cup of whole pecans in a ziploc bag
1 tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
1 wooden spoon
tape
a Bible
First, and this is VERY IMPORTANT. Preheat your oven to 300.
Next, place pecans in a ziploc bag and have children beat them with a wooden spoon. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
Next, let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty, he was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19: 28-30
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.
Let them taste the salt and brush the rest into the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears of Jesus' followers
AND
the bitterness of our own sins.
Read Luke 23:27.
Add egg whites to the bowl.
Explain that eggs represent new life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us new life.
Read John 10: 10-11
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add one cup of sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.
Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Show the children how it has changed,
explain that the color white represents purity.
Explain that Jesus died so that our sins would be forgiven.
In God's eyes we are all now cleansed of sin and pure.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in chopped nuts and drop by rounded tablespoons on to waxed 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.
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
GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies overnight.
Jesus followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20&22
IN THE 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
HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!
~Source for these cookies is unknown~
