A wonderful way to share what Jesus did for us:
Easter Story Cookies
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 cup castor sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or wooden meat hammer (we used a rolling pin)
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300"F / 150"C.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the
wooden spoon or hammer 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 teaspoon of vinegar into
the 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 the 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.
Then put your pinch of salt in 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 of sugar
to the bowl.
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 mixer on high speed for 10 - 15 mins until stiff peaks
form.
Explain that the colour 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 the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered
cookie sheets.
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 to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus'tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before
bedtime, GO TO BED!!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked
hard to make these cookies and now have to leave them in the oven overnight.
Explain that Jesus' followers were sad when Jesus died and the tomb was
sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask
the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The
cookies are hollow!!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus'followers were
amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28: 1-9
HE HAS RISEN!!
Have a wonderful Easter!