We will be celebrating Easter like many families… going to Church, having a big meal, and giving the children Easter baskets. But I also like doing something to help the children remember the REAL meaning of Easter. Here are two yummy ideas to help keep the focus on the fact that we are celebrating the fact that our Savior died on the cross so that we can be made NEW!
Hallelujah! HE IS RISEN!
Idea # 1: Easter Resurrection Cookies
***First, preheat the oven to 300 degrees.***
Ingredients:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
1 pinch of salt
1 c. of salt
You will need:
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Bible
Ziplock baggie
Wax paper
Cookie sheet
Tape
Mixer
Place pecans in the baggie and let the 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 the children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. (Read John 19: 28-30)
Add the egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life for us. (Read John 10: 10-11)
Sprinkle a little salt into the children’s hand and let them taste it, then brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that it represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers and the bitterness of our own sin. (Read Luke 23:27)
So far the ingredients aren’t very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of this 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 mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes until stiff peaks form. 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 wax paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. (Read Matthew 27: 65-66)
Put cookie sheet in oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give the child a piece of tape and seal the door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. (Read Matthew 27:65-66)
Explain 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 and 22)
Go to bed!
On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie!
Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Day, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. (Read Matthew 28: 1-9)
Idea # 2: Resurrection Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
Large Bag of Marshmallows
Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
Chocolate Chips
Roll out the crescent rolls, and place a marshmallow inside. Sprinkle chocolate chips around inside.
The marshmallow represents Jesus, the chocolate chips represent the spices His body was prepared in, and the crescent rolls represent the tomb.
Bake according to the instructions on the crescent roll container, and when it is finished, allow the children to open the crescent rolls.
The marshmallow is GONE! :)
