Easter traditions

My friend Kelly's sister, Kacie, has this awesome blog that always edifies me and makes me laugh. (www.wondrouslove.wordpress.com) I found this on there today, and loved this idea!! I also really like the idea of darkness on Good Friday, and am interested to know how other parents of preschoolers teach their kids about the meaning of Easter that doesn't involve bunnies and candy baskets. Any thoughts?

From Kacie's blog:

Resurrection Cookies

1 c. whole pecans
zipper baggie
1 tsp. vinegar
wooden spoon
3 egg whites
tape
pinch salt
Bible
1 c. sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

4. 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 sins. Read Luke 23:27. (So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.)

5. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know Him and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

6. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

7. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mount represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was lain. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF (DO NOT BAKE COOKIES).

9. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

10. Go to bed! Explain to them that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed and they had to leave.
Read John 16:20 & 22.

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies, like the tomb, are hollow! On the first Resurrection morning, Jesus’ followers were amazed and surprised to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN! HE HAS RISEN INDEED!