Easter Story Cookies

I LOVE reading cookbooks. Not that I really like to "cook", but I do like to bake (and consume the baked goods.) ha! Anyways, several years ago, as I was reading one of my cookbooks, I found this neat recipe for Easter cookies. I wrote a note to myself and stuck it in my Easter decorations tub so I would remember to do it once Lawton got old enough. This is the year! :) And let me tell you, you might want to write yourself a note to do this, too, just in case your kids aren't old enough now. If you're anything like me (please say you are), you can hardly remember what you did yesterday, much less what recipe you want to make and where to find it two years from now! You can google "Easter cookies" and will be able to find it, but I am going to include a little bit more detail and specific verses to go along with this recipe. I found my recipe from"Memories in the Making", a cookbook from the Puffy Muffin.

I would suggest that you do this on Saturday, the night before Easter, but we did it ahead of time for two reasons. One, Lawton is having his family birthday party Saturday night! We will be a little preoccupied! Two, I want all of you to see this and prepare in time so you can do it, too!! :)

Here's what you need: 1 cup whole pecans, 1 tsp. vinegar, 3 egg whites, pinch of salt, 1 cup granulated sugar, zip lock bag, wooden spoon, tape, Bible

Here's why you should do it: It is a great Easter memory to do with your child and it provides a tangible, visible reminder/application of the story of Easter.

1. Place the pecans in a zip lock bag and let the children beat and break them with a spoon/rolling pin until the nuts are in small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. (Read John 19:1-3)

*We just told the story and referenced one of his Children's Bibles with the Easter Story that was more on his level.

2. Let the child smell the vinegar and pour it in a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. (Read John 19:28-30)

*Lawton also knows how vinegar tastes . . . a few sassy mouth comments to mommy and daddy gets a spoonful of vinegar around here! He can sympathize with Jesus on this one!

3. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. The eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. (Read John 10:10-11)

4. Sprinkle a pinch of salt into the child's hand and let them taste it. Brush the rest into the bowl with the egg mixture. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our sins. (Read Luke 23:27)

Here is the picture showing how sad everyone was.
5.Next, add the sugar and explain that the sweetest part of this 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)

6. Beat the mixture on high for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form. (I hope for your sake you have a stand mixer! :) Explain that the 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)

*We also used the time that the mixer was going to retire "Spider man" and get on jammies and brush teeth . . . :)

7. Fold in the broken nuts. With a teaspoon drop the dough onto wax paper covering a cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. (Read Matthew 27:57-60)

8. Place the cookie sheet in a preheated 300 degree oven. Close the door and turn the oven off. Give the child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. (Read Matthew 27:65-66)

9. As you and your child prepare for bed, explain that there may be sadness about leaving the cookies in the oven overnight; likewise, Jesus' followers were sad and in despair when his tomb was sealed. (Read John 16:20-22)

10. On Easter morning, open the oven and pass out the cookies. Notice the cracked surface of the cookie 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)

"the empty tomb"

I hope that this can become a wonderful and meaningful Easter tradition as we plan on doing!