HAPPY, HOPPY EASTER!

Good Morning Foodies!

Unless you live under a rock, it is here! EASTER WEEK begins next week. For me it is another great opportunity to be with FAMILY AND FRIENDS! I know that for some people this can be a very unnerving time and may not be so pleasant! I thank GOD every day that I am so blessed to have such wonderful people that surround me. I always try to remember never, never to take that for granted.

I also realize that no FAMILY is PERFECT. Sometimes I think that our FAMILY might be GOD’S FAVORITE SITCOM! A very funny UNCLE once said to me, “We all know that every family has one or two WEIRD RELATIVES. If you don’t know who it is, then it is probably YOU!” Love that!

When times get tough and things don’t quite go like you want, this is how you truly judge the strength of FAMILY.
Standing back and looking at my FAMILY, I see my FAMILY as a circle of STRENGTH and LOVE. I realize that with every UNION and BIRTH, the CIRCLE will GROW. Remembering that every JOY shared adds more LOVE. In times of CRISIS, FACED TOGETHER, makes the CIRCLE STRONGER!
My GRANDMOTHER always said, “COLLECT MOMENTS, NOT THINGS!” I always try to remember that along with even when you do SMALL THINGS do it with GREAT LOVE!

I will not be posting menus next week. I know with HOLY WEEK, everyone is busy getting ready for the EASTER PARADE, no matter how big or small. You can follow me as I entertain the FAMILY—MY MOST FAVORITE HOBBY! Also have a little trip sneaking in between now and EASTER! Really testing myself, but just gonna roll with it!!!!!!!!!!!

No matter what you are doing—DYING EGGS; POCKING EGGS; GETTING THOSE EASTER BASKETS READY; FINDING THAT BEST EASTER SUNDAY OUTFIT; ATTENDING MASS AS A FAMILY ON EASTER SUNDAY; EGG HUNTING; ENJOYING A WONDERFUL MEAL; LOOKING AROUND AT YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY; BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, REFLECT ON HOW BLESSED YOU ARE!

The KITCHEN WILL BE CLOSED FROM APRIL 7-17TH. Will be back posting APRIL 18TH!
Before closing, I am reposting the little story/recipe for RESURRECTION COOKIES! FOODIES have loved this! Great thing to do with those PEEPS AND GRAND PEEPS!
Have a most BLESSED AND HAPPY, HOPPY EASTER!
Be safe and productive always!

RESURRECTION COOKIES!!!!

The Evening Before Easter, Gather the Following:

1 c. whole pecans
1 t. vinegar
3 egg whites, pinch of salt
1 c. sugar
Ziploc bag
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300. THIS IS IMPORTANT—DO NOT WAIT UNTIL LATER TO HEAT OVEN!

Place pecans in Ziploc bag and let children beat with wooden spoon and 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 t. of vinegar into a 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 c. 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 Psalms: 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
EXPLAIN THAT THE COLOR WHITE REPRESENTS THE PURITY IN GOD’S EYES OF THOSE SINS THAT HAVE BEEN CLEANSED BY JESUS.
Read ISA. 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.
EXPLAIN THAT EACH MOUND REPRESENTS THE ROCK TOMB WHERE JESUS’ BODY WAS LAID.
Read: Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
EXPLAIN THAT JESUS’ TOMB WAS SEALED.
Read Matthew 27:65-66

NOW 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

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!
EXPLAIN ON THE FIRST EASTER, JESUS’ FOLLOWERS WERE AMAZED TO FIND THE TOMB OPEN AND EMPTY!
Read Matthew 28: 1-9