Resurrection Cookies

Easter is quickly approaching.
And I wanted to share this tradition with everyone. {This will be my first year to do it with Lo, since she is finally old enough to "help."}

When I was younger we use to make Resurrection Cookies on Easter Eve (for lack of a better term). This is something I wanted to continue with my own kids and thought some of you may want to do the same. Because personally I want to put in a little more Jesus and a little less bunny. :)

What You will Need:
*1C whole pecans OR 1C mini choc chips
*1tsp vinegar
*3 egg whites
*pinch of salt
*1C sugar
*ziplock bag
*Wooden spoon
*Tape
*Bible

Instructions:
1. Pre heat oven 300*F
2. Place pecans (or mini choc. chips) in bag and let kids beat them w/ a wooden spoon to break into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. (Rd John 19:1-3)

3. Let each child smell the vinegar before putting it into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink. (Rd John 19:28-30)

4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. (Rd. John 10:10-11)

5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the mixing bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin. (Rd Luke 23:27)

6. Add sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know him and belong to him. (Rd Psalm 38:8 and John 3:16)

7. Beat egg white mixture with a mixer on high for 12-15 minutes or until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. (Rd Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3)

8. Fold in broken nut or choc chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet covered w/ wax paper.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. (Rd Matthew 27:57-60)

9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn OFF the oven. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. (Rd. Matthew 27:65-66)

10. Got to bed.
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers felt despair when the tomb was sealed too. (Rd John 16:20-22)

11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.
Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookie is hollow! On this first Easter morn, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb empty. He is risen! He is risen indeed!! (Rd Matthew 28:1-9)


What are some of your Easter Traditions!