Easter Story Cookies

I've seen this recipe around before, thought it was a great idea, but never tried it. I'm really excited about doing it this year. We've love to hear from those of you that have done this with your kids before or plan on doing it this year.

To be made the evening before Easter
You need:

1 cup whole pecans

1 tsp. Vinegar

3 egg whites

Pinch salt

1 cup sugar

Zipper baggie

Wooden spoon

Tape

Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're half done with the recipe)!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 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 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 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 Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.

Explain that the color white Represents --in God's eyes -- the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 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 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.

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.

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

Share The Easter Cookie Story With Friends and Family

Spring and Easter Homeschool Carnival

Looking for great Easter Crafts?

Angela over at The Sustala Six has a wonderful Easter Lapbook based on the Resurrection eggs. They made it last year, but the wonderful thing about Jesus is... He's timeless!

Squidoo also has some great ideas for Easter Lapbooks, along with printables (worksheets and more).

Homeschool Share has a wonderful collection of papers and ideas for an Easter Unit or Lapbook as well which goes deeper into the subject with bible verses, history, and even recipes!

Safely Gathered In shows you how to make your own containers of Wheat Grass, which I think is a great activity for Spring, and to also illustrate for our children how the Word of God should affect out lives.

Ever wondered about the Jewish customs of Passover? Read up over at HomeGrownKids!

Of course, there's always the ever-fun (and messy) egg-dying. Last year, we dyed eggs with our friends John and Ashley (the adults in the photos). This was the first time I had ever dyed an egg! (I know, crazy, right?)

Do you have any crafts, activities, or information posted on your blog that would suit this entry? Please, leave us a link!

Christian Unschooling: Interview of MandyMom

Mandy Mom and her husband, Brandon. (Brandon Dad? Ha!)

Curious to know more about your host here at The Precious Mind? You can read Jena's interview of Mandy Mom over at Christian Unschooling! Then, when you're done with that, stop by Jena's lovely blog @ http://www.yarnsoftheheart.com/