Bread and Cookies

Sprinkle yeast into lukewarm water; let stand 5 minutes. Combine lukewarm cream and butter; sift together flour, sugar and salt. Add yeast mixture to 1 cup flour mixture and then add to cream mixture. Add 2 eggs and mix. Stir in about 1 cup of flour and 2 more eggs, mix. Add remaining flour; knead until smooth and satiny (you may have to knead at least 15 minutes).

Place in a large greased bowl, cover with a cloth and place in a warm place until double in bulk. Punch down, knead for several minutes. Put the dough in the greased bowl and let it rise again.

Divide the dough into 3 parts. Two for loaves and 1 part for the ornamentation (braid). Form the 2 parts into balls making sure the top is smooth and no air bubbles. The last piece of dough is divided into 3 pieces and each piece is rolled into a long rope (start at the center and roll outward). When you have 3 ropes done start braiding them together starting from the middle. When done place the braid across the middle ending underneath; break off any excess. Repeat with the rest. Make sure the braids are even. Creating cross or any design you choose on the top of the bread.

Set the loaves aside till they rise a little; be careful not to let them rise too much. Brush with a beaten egg diluted with 2 tsp. water. Bake at 400^oF for 15 minutes; reduce temperature to 350^oF and bake for about 40 minutes.

* To test if bread is done take out of pan and knock on the bottom if it sounds hollow it is done.

Beat together well. Cook slowly over low heat stirring constantly. When it looks like yellow cottage cheese and liquid separates, divide into 2 new knee high stockings. Tie it from the kitchen facet to drain off excess liquid for about 1 hour. Place on a cookie sheet with sides then flatten by placing a heavy object on top of the ball of cheese for about 1 hour. Once flattened; place in refrigerator overnight. Remove stocking and rap in plastic.

This is a very bland tasting cheese, not everyone cares for it but this is what I grew up eating at Easter.

Easter Story Cookies

(To be made on Holy Saturday night)

Place pecans in zipped baggie and let children beat them with wooden spoon to break them into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by Roman soldiers. (Read John 19:1-3.)

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon 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 the salt represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers and the bitterness of our tears. (Read Luke 23:27)

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. 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 and belong to him. (Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.)

Beat mixture with a mixer at high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. (Read Isaiah 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 rocky tomb where Jesus’ body 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 seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. (Read Matthew 27:60.)

GO TO BED! Explain that the children 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! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. (Read Matthew 28:1-9)