Easter Cookies

I haven't posted in a long time (clearly).  But when I pulled out my Easter Cookie recipe I thought "hey, maybe someone else would like this, too?".  So, not only am I posting-but it's not even a picture-filled, sentence-less post!  Hopefully I'll actually make these this year, and of course dye the dozens of eggs I've 'blown' over the past few weeks.  Anyways, this recipe is designed to make with kids to help them learn about Jesus Christ and the reason we celebrate Easter.  So-on to Easter Cookies!

1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
pinch salt
3 egg whites
1 cup sugar
ziploc bag
tape
wooden spoon
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-DO NOT wait until you're halfway done with the recipe!)

Place pecans in ziploc bag and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that, after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him.  READ JOHN 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar.  Pour into mixing bowl.  Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.  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 of sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that 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 egg whites with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 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 teaspoons onto a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Explain that each mount 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 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.

I hope you enjoy these cookies, but even more-I hope you enjoy spending this Easter with loved ones and sharing joy and faith in Jesus Christ.  I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior.  I am ever grateful for his loving sacrifice.