Saturday, April 07, 2007

We have done these cookies every year for the last several years, and I appreciate that it walks the kids through the story in a hands on kind of way, much more so than trying to make some connection between rabbits and eggs and Jesus. Logistically, you have to start beating the egg whites to a soft peak before adding the sugar or it just never gets firm, you end up with puddles not peaks. Also, they stick to everything, you don't get neat little cookies you can pick up and eat, they turn into dust. But they taste wonderful! Maybe I will find a silpat and see if that stays nonstick better......
I seem to be the only eater of the cookies but the kids like making them so, here we go again!

EASTER STORY COOKIES
To be made the evening before Easter
You need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vinegar
zipper baggie
3 egg whites
wooden spoon
pinch salt
tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie 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 tsp. 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 Ps. 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 Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 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 Matt. 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 and 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 Matt. 28:1-9


I, for one, am indescribably grateful for the love God has for me that allowed him to come to earth, stand in my place and put his life on the line, to gain victory over the enslavement, the hold that sin had on our lives. He set me free to be the person he created me to be. He stepped up and took my punishment, my sin on himself before I was even born, and even when I fall flat on my face even now, he still loves me. He is infinitely patient, undeniably in love with me, unbelievably merciful and wonderfully, beautifully present!

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