An Easter Tradition

We've made these cookies every Easter since I first read about them 6 or 7 years ago, with the exception of last year, since Lucan was brand new and I wasn't really up to any extra effort! I know I've posted this recipe before in various places, but this year I took some pictures to go along with the steps. It was a little sad in that the boys weren't too interested in helping this time around--they're getting older and it's not as exciting, I guess. But it was so fun listening to Charis tell the story to Kenna!

One note we've learned from experience: there comes a point at which you need to beat the eggs and sugar for 15 minutes. This is NOT a great time for children to practice patience. In the past, we have hidden Resurrection Eggs from Family Life for the kids to find and read stories with Dad while I did the beating. This year it worked well for Kenna to get her bath done while Charis and I took turns beating. Then we were ready to finish up after Kenna had her jammies on.

EASTER STORY COOKIES

YOU NEED:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 c. sugar
ziplock baggies
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pecans in ziplock 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 c. 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 12-15 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 wax 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 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 Matthew 28:1-9.