Easter Story Cookies

This is a favorite Easter activity around our house, and I hope you enjoy it!
Ingredients:
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp vinegar3 egg whites
1 pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
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 Soldeirs. 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. John 19:28-30
Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. 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. 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. Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed 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. 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' body was lain. 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. Matthew 27:65-66
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave them in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers felt dispair when the tomb was sealed. 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. Matthew 28:1-9