Sunday, April 12, 2009

Easter Story Cookies

Updated below: Check the post below. I forgot to add all the things we did...so now there is more to check out on our pre-Easter fun!

Last year I received this recipe, but LilE was, in my mind, too young to understand. I tried it out this year. It is a long process with lots of scripture and hands on learning about the Cruxificion and Resurrection. She checked out of the story about half way through (I am all about reading straight from the Bible on occasion). But, I think she still enjoyed it.

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
A pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape/duck tape/painters tape, etc.
Bible

Instructions: These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).

Place pecans in zipper baggy 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 1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon (tablespoons are too big. ours weren't hollow.) onto 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 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


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&22

On Resurrection Sunday (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 (sometimes we add chocolate chips at the end also)

2 comments:

w and js mommy said...

I love this!
UMMMMMMMMMMM who knew her hair was that long??? So pretty

Mom said...

I learned about this "experience" many years ago, after you and B were much older. I thought it was a great object lesson for children. Glad you did it with LilE. As she gets a little older it will be more meaningful and she may even be able to tell the story.