Last Easter, we started a family tradition. (Gluten Free) Easter cookies! With all the excitement of egg decorating, pretty dresses, and chocolate bunnies, this activity really helps to keep us grounded. It brings us together to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ while we read the Bible as a family...
Ingredients:
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
1) Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important to do before you start the mixing)
2) 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 Romans soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
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.
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 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.
6) 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 Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
7) 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 Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
8) 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 Matt. 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. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.
10) 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 and 22.
11) 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.
Happy Easter from My Candy Heart to Yours!
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Happy Easter Wendy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice post, Wendy. I've heard of these, but never got around to making them -- your play-by-play with pics was not only helpful and easier than reading a list of instructions, but also fun to see all the kids!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE This! Happy Easter to you all!
ReplyDeleteThe photos in black and white are perfect . . . they describe the act without taking away from the meaning. I love this activity! Thanks for sharing, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteTraditions like this form lasting memories. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter!
This is going to be a new family tradition at our house! Thanks, Wendy. You are such a wonderful friend. When I reflect about the Savior, and his love for us each, I think, he has blessed and filled my life with wonderful uplifting people such as you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Aimee