This past week has seen the end of winter and ushered in spring with a rainy day. I have seen some flowers showing their faces to the sun and the birds are singing their songs. New calves are frolicking in the fields and I could watch them all day.
I miss the days when I had cattle and horses because birthing season was always so exciting. I have watched my fair share enter into the world and it is amazing. Momma Said, “There is nothing like watching a new calf or foal taking those first wobbly steps to make your day.”
I am not going to talk on much this week because I have a somewhat lengthy recipe for you. I will admit I have not tried this recipe yet, so good luck with your venture.
VERY SPECIAL EASTER COOKIES
1 cup pecans
3 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vinegar
Pinch of salt
Begin this recipe the night before Easter. First: Set eggs out to reach room temperature and preheat oven to 300 degree before your start mixing. This step is very important.
Place pecans in a Ziploc bag and let the children beat them with a wooden spoon until they are in small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. (John 19:13)
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put vinegar in the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was on the cross and he was thirsty, the soldiers gave him vinegar to drink. (John 19:28-30)
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life for us. (John 10:10-11)
Sprinkle a little salt on each child’s hand. Let them taste the salt. Put a pinch of salt in the mixing bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears that Jesus’ followers shed and the bitterness of our sin. (Luke 23:27)
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing, add sugar to the bowl. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died for us because he loved us. He wants us to know God and belong to Him. (Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16)
Beat ingredients on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents purity in God’s eyes. (Isaiah 1:18 and John 1:1-3)
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheets. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus was sealed. (Matthew 27:56-60)
Put cookies in preheated oven and TURN OFF the oven. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door shut. Explain that the tomb of Jesus was sealed. (Matthew 27:65-66)
Go to bed. Explain that they may be sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. (John 16:20)
On Easter morning, open the oven door and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cookies have a cracked surface. Take a Bite. The Easter cookie is hollow. On the first day of Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Jesus is risen! (Matthew 28:1-9)