Easter Story Cookies!
You will want to make these the evening before Easter; that's very important. To begin, gather: 1 teaspoon of vinegar 3 large egg whites A pinch of salt 1 cup of sugar A wooden spoon A hand mixer A mixing bowl Measuring cups Measuring spoons Some tape And your Bible Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. It is important to do this immediately, and not to wait until you're already started with the recipe. Put the nuts into the bag, and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3. Next, let each child smell the vinegar, and put 1 teaspoon of it into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30. Add the 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 represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sins. Read Luke 23:27. Note that the ingredients are not very appetizing thus far. Add 1 C. of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us! That He wants us to know, and belong to, Him! Beat all in the bowl with your hand mixer on a high speed for 12 to 15 minutes, or 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 Isa.1:18 and John 3:1-3. Fold in the broken nut meats, then drop mixture by the teaspoonful onto a wax, or parchment 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. Now go to bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight, and compare to how Jesus' followers were sad when His 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, and rejoice! Note: These cookies may not come out well if you are having rain, or other high humidity factors! I would like to thank Carol for reminding me of this recipe, thereby giving me the idea to share it with all of you! Thank you, Carol! :)These are not just meringue cookies, they are a story to help illustrate part of the meaning of Easter. Nothing is as poignant as a hands-on demonstration, which can be passed down from one generation to the next. I don't know who 1st thought of this, and perhaps never will; maybe they didn't want the notariety, just the satisfaction that people everywhere are sharing with their children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, something very special. Please do enjoy the lessons, and the cookies! :)
1 cup of whole/half walnuts, or other nutmeats of choice.
A zippered baggie
