Fun stuff

The kids and I just finished making Easter cookies.
Have you heard of those?  I got the recipe from Cap'n last year and remembered at the last minute tonight that I wanted to do this with the kids.
I'm so done with the commercialism of holidays. It seems Satan really kicks it up a few notches at Easter time. And rightfully so. The celebration of Christ's victory over death and sin is a big deal - one that Satan would soon rather have us forget.
So, because my kids don't believe in the easter bunny (never have, they've always known it's me giving them treats), we sat down tonight and made some Easter cookies.
Below you'll find the recipe.
Princess Monkey Eyes was almost in tears when I explained to her that our beating the pecans was symbolic of the beating that Christ endured. And then again when she understood that vinegar can't quench someone's thirst (she actually tried the stuff - ick).  But after the sugar's added, they were all so receptive to how 'sweet' the atonement is for us.
It was a good way to end the night and will be a good way to start the morning with finding our hollow cookies.
Thanks Cap'n for the recipe!  It was a huge success!!!
Here you go, Peeps!  I'm sorry I didn't think of posting it sooner so that you could all benefit from it.  But at least you can do it next year - or something like that!

Easter Story Cookies


1 cup whole pecans
1 t vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300*F. 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 Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 t of 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's 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 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the white color 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's 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's followers were in dispair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22

On Easter morning, open the oven and give each everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus's followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9

HE HAS RISEN!!!

Happy Easter Everyone!  Now, go enjoy conference (or continue enjoying, if you were that lucky to see today's sessions...)