Easter Story Cookies

• 1 cup Whole Pecans
• 1 tsp. Vinegar
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 cup Sugar
• 3 Egg Whites
• Zipper Baggie
• Tape
• Wooden Spoon or mallet
• Wax paper
• Bible

Preheat oven to 3oo degrees. Place pecans in the zipper baggie and beat them with the wooden spoon or a mallet to break them into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3 NIV

Let the children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp vinegar into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was offered vinegar to drink . Read Mark 15:36 NIV

Add the egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11 NIV

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 NIV

Add 1 cup sugar and 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 John 3:16 NIV

Beat with a mixer on HIGH speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form. Explain that white represents the purity, in God’s eyes of those whose hearts have been cleansed from sin by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 NIV and I John 1:8-9 NIV

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27: 65-66 NIV

Put the cookie sheet into the oven (pre-heated to 300 degrees). Close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape (blue painters tape works well for this). Have them seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.

GO TO BED!  Explain that 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 NIV

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! He is Risen! Praise the Lord!

This project is all about being INTENTIONAL  to teach your children the true meaning of Easter.

Blessings to each of you from the www.Judynewz family !

Peppermint Bark Candy

1 bag semi sweet chocolate chips
1 bag white chocolate chips.
60 Starlight hard mints ( Hard, round ,red and white striped candy.Target has them on sale.)

Crush 10 mints in a ziplock bag with a meat mallet. Set aside to spinkle on top of the Peppermint Bark.
Crush 50 mints in a ziplock bag with a meat mallet. Set aside.
In separate bowls, microwave the chocolate and white chips until melted. Divide the large bag of crushed mints in half and pour half into each bowl. of melted chocolate. Stir well.
On a metal cookie sheet, drop generous spoonfuls, alternating the color.Try to have the spoonfuls of melted chocolate touching each other. Using a table knife, swirl through the mixture in long “S” curves.Now, take the small bag of crushed mints. Sprinkle these crushed mints over the top of the Peppermint Bark. Put the cookie sheet in the freezer to set. When set, bend the cookie sheet to break the bark. Use a sturdy sharp knife tip to break the bark into smaller pieces. Put into a cellophane gift bag. Tie up with a twist tie. Add a pretty ribbon and gift tag.
Presto! You have a quick gift to give for that next holiday gathering! One cookie sheet made two very generous sized gift bags.

Enjoy making this fast and easy microwave candy for the holidays!