Resurrection Cookies

I was given this recipe many years ago, and people often ask me for it because it doesn't have a ready source. I don't know why I never thought of posting it until now! My children love to make these cookies the night before Easter, and oftentimes the cookies are shared at our Easter meal. And the best part is that as I've had more children, the younger ones just join in and take part in our tradition!

*This recipe requires a lot of mixing. It is best if you have a standing mixer. The result is a meringue-type cookie.

Resurrection Cookies

1 cup whole pecans or walnuts

1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites

a pinch salt 
1 cup sugar

a zipper baggy

1 wooden spoon

scotch tape

Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. (This is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe.)

Place pecans in zipper baggy (or baggies, one per child) and let children beat them with the wooden spoon (or spoons) 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 to ingredients in bowl (you can let children taste a bit first). 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'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 despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20 and 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's followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9


I wish you ad your family a wonderful Easter! He is risen!