Easter Meringues & Story

EASTER MERINGUE STORY

Here's an excellent, engaging way to recount the story of Jesus' death and the wonder of Easter - baking this Easter cookie recipe. Each step of the way allows a chance to read from the Bible and discuss varying contributions Jesus made. If you have little ones, or know of someone who does, this is a neat family activity to be made the evening before Easter. - Beverly Dillaway, DRE

Ingredients/Equipment you will need:

1cup of whole pecans

1 teaspoon of vinegar

3 egg whites

a pinch salt

1cup of sugar

zip lock baggies

wooden spoon

mixing bowl

an electric mixer

wax or parchment paper

masking tape

cookie sheets

a Bible

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

2. Place the pecans into the zip lock baggies and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into smaller pieces. Explain how that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3

3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put the vinegar into the mixing bowl. Tell the children that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30

4. Add the 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 the sugar. The sweet part of the story is that Jesus rose again and that death is not the end. Read Psalm 34:8; John 3:16

7. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minute. Have the children take turns beating the mixture until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that white is the color of Easter season and represents purity. Read Isaiah.1:18 and John 3:1-3

8. Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid to rest. Read Matthew 27:57-60

9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and TURN THE OVEN OFF - Do not bake the cookies!

10. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door to represent the way that Jesus' tomb was sealed off. Read Matthew 27:65-66

11. GO TO BED! Explain to the children that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' disciples and followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22

12. 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 his tomb open and empty.

The culmination of this craft is to read Matthew 28:1-9, which speaks of Jesus' rise from the dead. Not only is this a tasty way to end the Easter lesson, it also reinforces many of the important ideas from this time of the year: how Jesus gives us life, that Jesus loves us all unconditionally, and the bitterness of sin.

SOURCES: www.domestic-church.com This recipe is by Wanda Long and appeared in Home Life Magazine Also found http://www.cherbearsden.com/cookies.html EaEASTERster Story Cookie