Recipe: Easter Cookies

Here's a recipe that I have JUST received from my in-laws, and I thought
immediately that there is a Sunday School teacher or two who might like to use
this recipe with her class.

Easter Story Cookies

To be made the evening before Easter. You will need:
1 C. pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 C sugar
Zipper baggie
Wooden Spoon
Tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pecans in sipper 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 19:26-30.

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 respresents 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 Psalms 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 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.

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER!!