Preheat the oven to 300 degrees (do this at the very beginning -- do not wait)

Place pecans in the baggie and let the children beat them with the spoon...Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him.

Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp. vinegar in the bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink.  

Add egg whites to the vinegar, Egg whites represent life, Explain that Jesus gave his life for us.

Sprinkle a little salt in each child's hand. Let them taste it and then brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears that were shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sins.

So far, the ingredients are not appetizing, add 1 cup of sugar, and explain that the sweetest part of this story is that Jesus died because he loves us.  He wants us to and know and belong to him.

Beat with a mixer on high for 12 to 15 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents the purity in Gods eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Fold in the nuts. Drop the cookies by teaspoon full onto a waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus was laid.  

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door, and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and tape the oven door shut. Explain that Jesus was sealed in the tomb.    

GO TO BED Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven, but that Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed and they had to leave Jesus in there.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie, Notice the cracked surface, and take a bite. The cookies will be hollow; on the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb empty

 He is risen!  Just like He said!