Resurection Cookies

UPDATE:

I made them, and they turned out perfect. Nice and lumpy and hollow. As for the taste, I got mixed reviews from the pre-schoolers. The ones strictly into high sugar content were thrilled. Those with more discerning tastes said "I don't like these." Since the point was more object lesson than haute cuisine, I wasn't too concerned. Making them the night before was the best part. Benton had a great time. I used the egg as an opportunity to attempt to explain the Trinity as well. Shell, white, yolk = Father, Son, Spirit, but it's still an egg. The parts can work together or on their own, but they are still part of the egg.

I recently started teaching our church's preschool/kindergarten age Sunday school class. Ever since, I have been hunting for great, creative ideas for the kids so experience will be a memorable one (in a good way)! I have not tried this recipe yet, but I think it is a fantastic idea. What a great object lesson. It gets the kids involved in the process and gives them something to hold in their hand. The premise is this: the kids help with each step and at the end, you get a cookie as empty as the tomb on Easter Sunday. I don't know if they will be very tasty, but the lesson is great! I'll let you know how mine turn out, let me know how yours worked if you tried it.

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).
Place pecans in zipper baggy 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 teaspoon 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: Psalm 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 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 teaspoon onto waxed 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 Resurrection Sunday (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