Resurrection Cookies

Easter is the holiest day of the year for Christians. And it is all the more important to me this year as my children are now understanding the story of Jesus. We have read His story in the Bible and they have been moved to paint pictures of Him on the cross and of His empty tomb...all without any prompting. They seem to fully grasp the importance of remembering His suffering and death...and his resurrection. I have never been more proud!

Because of their interest and because of Easter's importance, this year I am beginning a new tradition with my family...making Resurrection Cookies the night before. These special, meaningful cookies will make the story of Jesus come to life with a tactile activity children can taste and create...all while reading the corresponding Bible verses. What a special tradition this will be!

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole pecans (or almonds)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch salt
• 1 cup organic sugar
• Plastic bag
• Wooden spoon, rolling pin
• Tape
• Bible

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Do this before doing anything else!
2. Place nuts in bag and beat them with a 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.
3. Open the vinegar and let everyone smell it. Put 1 teaspoon into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, all He was given to drink was vinegar. Read John 19:28-30.
4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each person’s hand. Let them taste it, then 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.
6. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Sprinkle a little sugar into each person’s hand. Let them taste it, then brush the rest into the bowl. 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.
7. Beat with mixer on high speed for 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents our purity in God’s eyes because our sins are cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18.
8. Fold in nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
9. 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 shut. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
10. Explain that you cannot eat the cookies tonight, but that you have to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. That might not make anyone too happy. Explain that Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
11. The next morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the third day, Jesus followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Happy Easter!