Easter Cookies

A friend of mine gave this recipe to me via e-mail and we are going to make these tonight - thought you might want to try too. Here is the recipe below:

1 cup whole pecans
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
zipper bag and wooden spoon
tape
Bible

PREHEAT OVEN TO 300 DEGREES (THIS IS IMPORTANT - DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE HALF DONE WITH THE RECIPE)!

READ JOHN 19:1-3 - 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 19:28-30 - 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 10:10-11 - Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

READ LUKE 23:27 - 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 PSALMS 34:8 AND JOHN 3:16 - 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 ISAIAH 1:18 AND JOHN 3:1-3 - Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents--in God's eyes--the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

READ MATTHEW 27:57-60 - 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 27:65-66 - 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 JOHN 16:20 AND 22. - Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair and sad when the tomb was sealed.

GO TO BED!
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!

READ MATTHEW 28:1-9
On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

All of our Easter festivities have been fun - today a day of relaxing at home!! Will post pictures sometime next week. Hope you are having a peaceful Easter celebrating the gift of salvation from our Savior. Thank you Jesus for your redemptive sacrifice - the once and for all sacrifice for my sin.