EASTER STORY COOKIES (Meringue Cookies with Pecans)

(Shared Recipe Submitted by Ruth Maddox)

Ruth found this recipe in a copy of Home Life magazine and it came from Wanda Long. I think it is a wonderful way to spend time with your children, as well as teach them something about baking and the real reason we celebrate Easter.

You need:

• 1 cup whole pecans
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup sugar
• Zipper baggie
• Wooden spoon
• Tape
• Bible

Preheat oven to 300° F. 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 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. 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 Ps. 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 Isa.1:18 and John 3:1-3.