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I meant to post this a little earlier so you could all try it with your kids if you were so inclined. Sorry. You can either wake them all up and do it tonight (if you’re crazy), or wait until next year.

I have saved this recipe for over 6 years. Someone at work passed it around one Easter and, despite not having kids at the time and thinking I never wanted kids (?!?!?!?!), I saved it. Finally some of my kids are somewhat able to understand the story of Jesus’ passion, crucifixion and resurrection. And, they all love making stuff in the kitchen.

Here’s the recipe and a few pictures from this evening.

Easter Story Cookies

you need: 1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
ziplock baggie, wooden spoon, tape and Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place pecans in ziplock baggie and let children beat them with the 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 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us lif. 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 represents 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 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 Psalms 34:8 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 the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 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 Matthew 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 Matthew 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 & 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 Matthew 28:1-9. HE HAS RISEN!