Holiday-Easter

EASTER
Easter dinner:  Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, asparagus (roasted), salad, apricot carrots, resurrection rolls, deviled eggs, Keto carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and vanilla ice cream.



Easter Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup pecan halves
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
3 egg whites
1 pinch salt
1 cup white sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Place pecans in a resealable plastic bag. Crush the pecans into small bits.
Read John 19:1–3. At Jesus’s arrest, He was beaten by Roman soldiers.
Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into a medium bowl.
Read John 19:28–30. When Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Add egg whites to the vinegar.
Read John 10:10–11. Eggs represent life. Jesus gave His life so that we can be resurrected and have eternal life.
Sprinkle salt into the egg whites.
Read Luke 23:27. There were many who shed (salty) tears during Jesus’s Crucifixion.
Add 1 cup of sugar.
Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16. The sweetest part of Easter is the love that God has for us.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1–3. The color white represents purity.
Fold in the broken nuts. Drop teaspoons of the cookie dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Read Matthew 27:57–60. Each mound of cookie dough represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’s body was laid.
Place the cookies in the oven, close the door, and turn the oven off.
Read Matthew 27:65–66. Jesus’s tomb was sealed.
Go to bed.
Read John 16:20, 22.
In the morning, open the oven and take out the cookies.
Read Matthew 28:1–9.
Lemon Angel Pie

Ingredients

Instructions Filling: 1 cup sugar
4 eggs separated, room temperature
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

1. Beat egg whites until white and fluffy.
2. Add in sugar gradually and cream of tartar.
3. Beat until stiff but not dry (it's o.k if this doesn't happen)
4. Pour into a buttered 9" deep dish glass pie dish and press up against the sides
5. Bake meringue crust at 300 degrees for 45-60 minutes.
6. Cool.

1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups whipping cream.
 1. Take 4 egg yolks and beat slightly.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar,
3 Tbsp. lemon juice and 1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind, 1/4 tsp. salt.
3. Cook until thickened in microwave for 4 minutes (stir every 30 seconds) Cool.
4. Whip 2 cups whipping cream and fold 1/2 of whip cream into lemon mixture.
5. Pour into cooled meringue shell. Top with the remaining whip cream (no sugar added).
Chill for 24 hours



Boiling eggs:
From designmom
Put the eggs into a deep pot in a single layer. Secret #1: Fill the pan with cold, not hot, water. The goal here is to bring the eggs up to boiling temperature along with the water, which will also help prevent cracking and promote even cooking. The eggs should be covered by 1-2 inches of water. To measure, dip your finger in and touch an egg. If the water reaches anywhere between your first and second knuckle, you’re probably good to go. If not, add a little more.
Bring the water up to a boil. Secret #2: Let the eggs boil for one minute, then cover and remove from heat. The heat in the water will continue to cook the eggs after they are off the burner. If you have an electric stove with coil burners, you can skip boiling the eggs for one minute because the burner will retain heat. Let the eggs sit in the covered pot for 12- 15 minutes.
Secret #3: The actual time is going to vary a bit due to the size of the eggs. Medium eggs will take less time, about 9 minutes, and extra large eggs will take more time, about 15 minutes. The altitude where you live will affect the cooking time as well. I live at about 5,000 ft. above sea level, so I keep the eggs cooking in the covered pot a few minutes longer so the yolks aren’t too raw. Plan on practicing with a few small batches till you get the timing just right.

If you’re boiling a lot of eggs at one time, sometimes it’s worth sacrificing one egg to ensure the others are properly cooked. Remove one egg from the pan, cool it as quickly as you can in ice water, peel it and cut it open to see if it’s cooked all the way. Undercooked yolks are almost as bad as overcooked ones! They will be darker yellow and look raw.  If your tester egg isn’t cooked through yet, keep the rest of the eggs cooking in the hot water for a few minutes longer. (Alas, there’s no going back once the yolk is overcooked.)
Next step is Secret #4: To stop the cooking (and avoid over-cooking) you’ll need to cool the eggs quickly. There are two options. You can gently drain off the hot cooking water and add cool water to the pan. Or, you can remove the eggs from the hot water with a slotted spoon and carefully transfer to a bowl of cool water. As I mentioned, this stops the cooking process, so be sure not to skip this step.
Now we’ve come to the funnest part: peeling. Secret #5: Cold eggs peel much more easily than warm or room temperature eggs. Begin cracking the cooled egg by rolling it gently against a flat surface, like a counter or cutting board. Go ahead and roll until the entire shell is covered in cracks. Then carefully peel the shell off. If the shell sticks to the egg white, help things along by either peeling under cold running water or in a bowl of water. I have also found that cracking the larger bottom end first, then rolling can help the shell come away more easily. Be sure not to crack it too hard or you’ll chance breaking the egg white right in half!

TROUBLESHOOTING
Peeling
Have you followed all the tips and you’re still having a hard time peeling the egg? It might be because your eggs are too fresh. (Too fresh? Who knew that being fresh could be a problem?) Fresh eggs are known to be harder to peel, and that includes those fresh from the farm. Eggs in the store are typically about a week old, so plan ahead. The fix: Let your eggs sit in the fridge for a few days or even two weeks before you boil them. Or try the pin trick I mention in a bit…
Cracking
If your eggs are cracking during the boiling process, try this: add a little vinegar or salt to the water. The vinegar/salt will help any escaping egg whites coagulate and stop leaking out of the crack.
Or, you can follow my Mother’s tip: prick the bottom of the egg, where there’s a tiny space between the membrane and the shell. The idea is to release a little bit of air. It’s supposed to help prevent cracking — and some people swear it makes peeling easier too!

 EASTER

Requested for Easter dinner:  Salmon, HAM, Cesar salad (romaine, parsley), celery, apples, deviled eggs, nan bread, lentil filling, honey, grape juice, figs. Resurrection rolls for dessert!

Simple Passover Meal

Skewered chicken (instead of lamb):  In memory of the lamb that the Israelites sacrificed the night before they escaped out of Egypt.  Jesus was our final perfect Lamb who was sacrificed for us all.
At the Last Supper Jesus said that the bread would represent His body that was broken for us.  We eat in remembrance of His body that was slain for us.
Boiled Egg (can make deviled eggs)- The egg stands for renewal.  The Israelites were going to start a new life and we have new life in Christ because of what He did on the cross for us.
Bitter herbs (Horseradish dip for chicken)-We serve horseradish as a reminder of the bitterness of the slavery in Egypt.  Jesus suffered greatly for us that we may be 
Applesauce or chopped apples: This is a mixture of chopped apples, cinnamon, and sugar.  Symbolizes the mortar and bricks the Israelites used in making the bricks for the king of Egypt.
Fresh parsley: These plants stay green all year and represent everlasting life because of Christ’s resurrection.
Small bowl of salt water- Tears of the Israelites in bondage. Dip the parsley into the salt water bowl and eat it.t
Grape Juice - At the Last Supper Jesus said that the wine represented His own blood, poured out for us all. Drink in remembrance of Him until He comes again.


NAAN BREAD







  • Harmons
  • 5454 S Redwood Rd
  • TAYLORSVILLE, UT 84123
  • Macey's
  • 7859 S 3200 W
  • WEST JORDAN, UT 84088























Naan-Allrecip

Easter Lentil Filling for Pita Bread
Cook 1 lb of lentils in boiling water until soft (45 min or so?); rinse, drain, set aside.
1 onion, chopped
1/2 bell pepper (if you have one, any color), chopped
1 T. olive oil
2-3 T. minced garlic
2 (15-ounce) cans of tomato sauce
1 c. water
3 T. apple cider vinegar
3 T. soy sauce
2 1/2 t. chili powder
2 1/2 T. ground cumin
1 T. salt
2 t. cinnamon
1/4 C. honey

Saute onion and bell pepper in olive oil; then add garlic.  Add tomato sauce, water, vinegar, and soy sauce and mix.  Add all the spices.  Bring to a gentle boil and then turn down the heat and let simmer for awhile. Add lentils back in.  You may want to add more spices or vinegar at that point.
Simmer and let thicken to the consistency of sloppy joe mix.  Serve as a filling in pita bread.
Four Weeks to Celebrate Easter 2017
Compiled by Heidi Kruckenberg and Saydi Shumway
Week One (March 26-April 1) Miracles
Family and personal scripture study: Read and study miracles Jesus performed during his life on earth. Healings, feeding multitudes, forgiving sins, casting out devils, raising the dead, controlling nature (calming the storm, filling nets with fish), etc. Take time to read and ponder the definition of “miracles” in the Bible Dictionary. Ask yourself and those you study with:
  • What miracle(s) is my favorite? Why?
  • What miracles that Jesus performed are a pattern for similar miracles I’ve witnessed in my life and the lives of those around me? Compare the details of the miracle in the scriptures with the details of the miracle you’ve seen. Record your testimony of this miracle in your journal.
  • What miracle would you have loved to witnessed Jesus perform? Why? What specifically appeals to you about that miracle?
  • What miracle would you like to call down on someone you love? Why?
  • How does the Bible Dictionary definition of “miracles” broaden or clarify your experiences with miracles? Talk/write about the symbolic lessons of specific miracles recorded in the New Testament.
Suggested miracles to study (one per day):
Click here to be redirected to the LDS Bible Videos Index.
Activities
  • Set up Easter tree using forsythia branches in a vase—let kids decorate the branches with small gospel art images each day after studying scriptures. (We printed pass-along-card size copies of gospel art images at Costco photo and glued a ribbon hanger to each.)
  • Look at artwork depicting these miracles. Notice details that artist used to convey what struck a chord of importance to him/her. How does this resonate with or expand your understanding of the miracle? Create your own artistic rendering of a miracle from the scriptures of your own experience. Share it with others.
  • Watch and discuss the LDS “Life of Jesus Christ Bible Video” online that represents the miracle you read about. Discuss or write about how seeing the miracle dramatized changes your understanding. Pay careful attention to moments in the film when you feel the Spirit. What is the Spirit telling you?
  • Write in your journal about a miracle the Savior performed for you.
  • Check local concert listings and get tickets for JS Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.


Week Two (April 2-8) Teachings
Family and personal scripture study: Read and study Jesus’ teachings as recorded in the gospels. Consider how to apply these teachings in your life. What experiences have you had that testified of the truth of these teachings? Apply the parables to your personal experience—how do the parables differ from and mirror your understanding of these teachings. Specifically look at:
  • Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) there are several Bible videos for this sermon
  • Bread of Life (see John 6) and living water (John 4): both these teachings have Bible videos that dramatize them
  • Parables (lost items and prodigal son, good Samaritan, ten virgins, wheat and tares, mustard seed and leaven, unmerciful servant, great supper) see Bible videos to accompany many of these parables
  • Light of the world, let your light shine (John 8:12-58) see Bible video online “Jesus Declares: I Am the Light of the World”
  • Treasure on earth or in heaven (Matt 6:19-34; Luke 11:34-36, 12:22-34, 16:9-13) see Bible video
  • Counting the cost (Luke 14:25-35)
  • Ask, seek, knock
  • Suffer the little children (Luke 18:15-17) see Bible video
  • Jesus is the Lamb of God (see John 1:29) and the Good Shepherd (see John 10). Think about the Passover lamb (see Exodus 12) and how this Old Testament covenant compares to the New Testament covenant of the Atonement. See Bible video online “Good Shepherd and Other Sheep I Have”
  • “Mary hath chosen the better part” (Luke 10:38-42)
  • Woman in adultery (John 8:1-11)
  • Done it to the least, done it unto me (Matthew 25)
click here to access LDS bible videos.
Activities
  • Look at artistic images that represent Jesus’ teachings. Notice details that artist used to convey what struck a chord of importance to him/her. How does this resonate with or expand your understanding of the story? Create your own artistic rendering of a parable or teaching of the Savior. Share it with others. Check out https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/search?q=jesus+christ for a listing of fine art depicting Jesus Christ. Or http://www.nga.gov and search for Jesus Christ.
  • Watch and discuss the LDS “Life of Jesus Christ Bible Video” online that represents each teaching/parable. Discuss or write about how seeing the story acted out changes your understanding. Pay careful attention to moments in the film when you feel the Spirit. What is the Spirit telling you?
  • Make oil lamps when talking about the Parable of the Ten Virgins.
  • Act out parables and discuss how going through the motions helps you understand the meaning of the story.
  • Pick a few of Jesus’ teachings to memorize over the week.
Week Three (April 9-15) Holy Week: Palm Sunday through Resurrection  
Family and personal scripture study: Read and discuss the events of the final week of Jesus’ life. Each day read and ponder the meaning of that day’s event as it felt for Jesus, his apostles, his followers, and the significance for generations and individuals now. Imagine and write about/discuss how you would have felt to be present for that event. Consider how these daily events fulfilled prophecies.


(some of the ideas for this holy week were inspired by A Christ Centered Easter by Janet and Joe Hales)
Day One: Palm Sunday
  • Scripture Reading: Matthew 21: 1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-36
  • Ideas for Discussion:
    • Discuss the symbolism of palm branches (see Dorothy D. Warner, “Exploring: Palms for the Lord,” Friend, March 1996 for a reference).
    • Discuss what your family might do to show your joy if Jesus were to come to your home today.
    • Discuss the meaning of the word “Hosanna” (see Bible Dictionary)
    • Discuss the expectations Jesus’ followers had for him as their King, compared to the way the week ended—with his suffering and death. As our savior, Jesus’ role is to meet our needs not our expectations. How has the Atonement been more or different than what you expected it to be? Share a personal example of a time you were like these disciples who expected Jesus to be their political savior, but in fact his mission was as their Redeemer from sin and death. How has your understanding of Jesus’ role in as the Savior changed over the past several years?
  • Activity Ideas:
    • Make Palm Branches using cardboard (for spines) and green paper.  Act out the triumphal entry.  Characters include:  Narrator (reading from Mark 11: 1-11), Disciples) sent in search, Christ, Donkey colt, Donkey’s owner(s), disciples shouting “hosanna.”
    • Watch the LDS Bible video of the triumphal entry.
    • Choose a resurrection Hymn or a sacrament hymn to learn during the week.  Talk about the lyrics and sing it each day together.  
Day Two: Monday—Cleansing the Temple
  • Ideas for discussion:
    • Discuss the progression of the temple cleansing as it applies to our own lives: purging, learning, receiving blessings (healing), praising (see Matthew 21:12-16).
    • Given Jesus’ action in the temple, discuss how he would feel in your own family’s home? How might he cleanse it? As a family, choose one way to purify your home and make that your goal for the week.  
  • Activity Ideas:
    • Take a family trip to the temple and talk about the holy feeling you experience there. Imagine how Jesus must have felt to see people act irreverently in his father’s house. Talk about the word “sacred” and how you can show respect for sacred things.
    • Read the “First Easter” by Julie Wardell (Friend, April 1988)
    • Reenact the cleansing of the temple, maybe with a focus on how to stand firm for what is right and be stern without being mean.
    • Consider how the cleansing of the temple relates to cleaning the house carefully before Passover.
Day Three: Tuesday—Parables and teachings of Jesus
  • Scripture Reading: choose a teaching or parable of Jesus to discuss that you didn’t have time for during week two.  
  • Activity Ideas:
    • Dye Easter eggs and talk about the symbolism of eggs and the significance of Easter being celebrated in springtime.
    • Play parable charades.
    • Make up your own parable with modern and/or ancient meaning.
    • Go on an Easter Walk  or scavenger hunt (on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on weather): look for things in nature that represent Christ and the events of Easter week (see Attachment 1).  Maybe encourage children to make a beautiful centerpiece for dinner using the items they found.


Day Four: Wednesday—Rest in Bethany
  • Discussion and Activity Ideas:
    • Make a list of Jesus’ character traits and pick one to work on for the next week.
    • If you plan on doing a Passover dinner, take this day to discuss some of the events of the Last Supper and Gethsemane (Matt 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42) to prepare for day five (because you may not have time to discuss those things AND have a Seder).
    • Discuss what you might do to prepare for Passover. Participate in the Jewish tradition of cleaning the house together to get ready for the Passover (see Matthew 26:17-19).
    • Predict Peter’s denial/shepherd fled (Matt 26:30-35).
Day Five: Thursday—Last Supper and Jesus’ prayer and agony in Gethsemane
  • Scripture Reading:
    • Read from the scriptures the events that occurred during the Last Supper, the betrayal and Christ’s agony in Gethsemane. Matt: 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-65; John 13:1-18,27.  See Bible videos.
    • Read John 13: 4-15 and discuss why it was important that Jesus wash the apostles’ feet
    • Read and discuss Christ’s description of his suffering, in D&C 19:16-19.
  • Activity ideas:
    • On Thursday evening have a simple Passover Seder (see Attachment 2).
    • Wash a family members’ feet.
    • Watch the LDS Bible video depicting the last supper.
Day Six: Friday—Good Friday (Jesus’ Trial and Crucifixion)
  • Scripture Reading: Matt 27:1-61, Mark 15:1-47, Luke: 22: 66-23:56, John 18:28-19:42
  • Activity Ideas:
    • Have a “Stations of the Cross-type” walk where you read/discuss/and perform tasks to move through the various steps of Jesus’ journey from the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross. (See Attachment 3)
    • Turn off all electricity (maybe for 3 hours?) use only candles at night to commemorate the three hours that darkness covered the land while Christ hung on the cross.
    • Read or listen to Elder Holland’s talk (“None Were with Him,” by Elder Jeffrey Holland, April 2009) and think about a time when you felt alone. How have you felt the presence of God at these lonely times.
    • Watch LDS Bible videos dramatizing Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.  
Day Seven: Saturday—Jewish Sabbath
  • Scripture Reading and Discussion ideas:
    • Matthew 27:62-66, Luke 23:56
    • Imagine how the disciples felt during those three days when Jesus’ body lay in the tomb. Read 3 Nephi 8-9 for an account of what happened during those three days on the other side of the world. The Nephites and Lamanites were in complete darkness, which followed terrible destruction, for those three days, yet during that time they heard the voice of the Lord. How do these scriptural examples of a time of darkness and disappointment inspire and comfort you? When have you felt the voice of the Lord speaking to you in a dark and fearful hour?
    • Maybe use this day to do traditional Easter egg hunts/Easter bunny activities so that Easter Sunday can focus more fully on celebrating the resurrection.  
Day Eight: Easter Sunday—Jesus’ Resurrection
  • Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:1-15, Mark: 16: 1-12; Luke 24: 1-49; John 20:1-23
  • Ideas for discussion:
    • Discuss the range of emotions that Mary Magdalene or Mary the mother of jesus must have felt on this day.  
    • Discuss how you might have felt at seeing the Resurrected Lord. What emotions might you have felt? (confusion? fear? faith? joy?)
  • Activity Ideas:
    • Wake up the house with Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from the Messiah
    • Meet in the morning for a special sunrise Easter devotional. Sing a resurrection hymn and retell the sacred story of Jesus’ first appearance as the resurrected Savior.  
    • “Resurrection egg” hunt for the 12 eggs that tell Easter story, ending with the empty egg to represent the empty tomb. (Here’s a link for how to make your own http://womenlivingwell.org/2012/03/the-jesus-story-easter-eggs-fun-for-kids/)
    • Encourage family members to spend some time alone reflecting on their testimony of Jesus Christ, praying, and writing in their journal. Study and ponder the sacrament prayers, take a personal inventory to help think about what you might change to be closer to the Savior or more like him.  
Week Four (April 16-22) The Resurrected Christ
Family and personal scripture study: Each day of this week read and write about/discuss various disciples’ reactions to and interactions with the resurrected Lord. Put yourself in each person’s shoes. How do you feel before, during, and after seeing the resurrected savior? What does Jesus do to show his authenticity to each person? What does he do to show compassion? What does Jesus teach the people to whom he shows himself?
  • Mary
  • Peter, John, other disciples (Matt 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:36-53; John 20:19-23, 30-31)
  • Thomas, who doubted until he saw and touched (John 20:24-29)
  • The disciples on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35)
  • The Nephites/Lamanites in The Book of Mormon
  • The Twelve apostles get a boat full of fish, told to “feed his lambs” (John 21)
  • Wicked people start lies (Matt 28:11-15)
  • Ascension (Acts 1:1-14)
Finally, consider the promise that Jesus will come to earth again. What do you imagine this Second Coming to be like? What do the prophecies say about the Second Coming? How do you feel as you consider that you may be a witness of this triumphant return?
Activities
  • Read some Psalms: 23, 24, 100, 113, 136,146, 149.  Write your own family psalm of praise.  
  • Eat fish and honeycomb
  • Watch “Finding Faith in Christ” LDS video, which dramatizes the apostle Thomas’ testimony of the resurrected Savior.
  • Watch Bible videos that dramatize the resurrected Christ appearing to and teaching in Jerusalem.
Attachment 1
Easter Walk
Give participants a list of what to find and a bag to put their treasures in. When you gather together at the end of the walk, have participants take out their treasures one by one and discuss how each relates to the Easter story, using the chart and scripture references below.
On your walk find:
  •   something sharp
  •   something prickly or thorny
  •   something made of wood
  •   something dead
  •   something dark or black
  •   something round and smooth
  •   something fragrant
  •   something soft
  •   something living
  •   something colorful and beautiful
  •   something that captures water (you don’t have to put this one in your bag)
  •  something light in color, or that captures light
Item
Symbolic of
Scripture
something sharp
Jesus’ pain in the Garden
Luke 22:44, Matt 26:38-41
something prickly or thorny
the crown of thorns placed on Christ’s head
Mark 15:17
something made of wood
the cross
John 19:17-18
something dead
Christ’s death
Luke 23:46
something dark or black
the darkness that covered the earth at His death
Luke 23: 44-45
something round and smooth
the stone rolled in front of the tomb
Mark 15:46
something fragrant
the herbs and spices brought to anoint Christ’s body
Mark 16:1
something soft
the linens Mary found in the tomb on Easter morning
Mark 15:46
something living
Christ’s resurrection
Matthew 28:5-6
something colorful and beautiful
The hope and joy that comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Alma 36:18-21
something that captures or contains water
Christ is living water.  
John 4:11-14
something light in color
Jesus is the light of the world.
John 9:5
Attachment 2
Passover Seder
Passover is the oldest and most important of Jewish religions festivals, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and his creation of the Israelite people.   The term Passover refers to the tenth and final plague God brought upon the Egyptians that would kill the firstborn. The Israelites had to mark their doors with blood so that God would “pass over” their home.
Seder means “order.” In traditional Jewish Seders there is an order in which people drink four glasses of wine and tell the story of the passover. It is a long dinner celebration, lasting 2-3 hours sometimes. We’re going to do a much simpler version to help us feel connected to our Jewish roots, the powerful truths of deliverance that we learn in the story of the children of israel and remember that Christ was a Jew.  
The last supper was likely part of the Christ’s Passover celebration. Here Christ introduced the sacrament, washed his disciples’ feet, and told his disciples important things that were to come.  
Tonight we eat foods that Christ might have eaten (lentil soup, figs, bread as ‘sop’, pita, hummus) and talk about and taste some of the symbolic foods that people eat during a traditional Passover Seder.  
This is a celebration. While we should be respectful and listen to each other and try to understand the importance of these symbols, we don’t have to be solemn and quiet and serious. We are celebrating deliverance!  
Preparation:
It’s traditional to clean the house thoroughly before the Passover Seder.  You are to remove any  trace of chametz (leaven)....we don’t do this, but I love the idea of getting the kids to clean up! This is supposed to signify and attitude of penitence, willingness to remove any corrupting influence and submit to God in obedience.  
Set the table a little more fancy than usual. Put out candles and jerusalem plates. You could also sit on the floor with cushions. Make sure all the symbolic foods are on the table. Traditionally there is a Seder plate set out with the symbolic foods placed on it in an orderly way.


Hide several pieces of regular raised bread around the house for the children to find before you start dinner.
Washing of the hands. From antiquity, Jews perform a ritual hand-washing before meals.


You can set a place for Elijah.   
When you call the children to the table ask them to find all the leaven in the house and bring it to the table. Talk a little about how we are supposed to remove anything within ourselves that is prideful, puffed up, contrary to God’s will.


The mother should light the passover candles. The candles symbolize the presence of God and mark this as a sacred time.  
Start with a blessing on the food.
During the meal
As we eat we talk about the symbolism of the foods:
Roasted lamb shank bone: One of the most striking symbols of Passover is the roasted lamb shank bone (called zeroah), which commemorates the paschal (lamb) sacrifice made the night the ancient Hebrews fled Egypt. Some people say it symbolizes the outstretched arm of God (the Hebrew word zeroah can mean “arm”).
Roasted egg: The roasted egg (baytsah) is a symbol in many different cultures, usually signifying springtime and renewal. Here it stands in place of one of the sacrificial offerings which was performed in the days of the Second Temple. This egg isn’t even eaten during the meal; the shell just needs to look really roasted.
Maror (“bitter herb”): Any bitter herb will work, though horseradish is the most common. Bitter herbs bring tears to the eyes and recall the bitterness of slavery. The Seder refers to the slavery in Egypt, but people are called to look at their own bitter enslavements, whether addiction or habit.
Charoset: The sweetness of this salad made of apples and nuts is to symbolize the sweetness god can bring.  It is to be eaten after the bitter herb. It also is supposed to remind us of the mortar that the israelites used to build with during their time of slavery.
Karpas: A vegetable other than bitter herbs, which is dipped into salt water at the beginning of the Seder. Parsley, celery or boiled potato is usually used. The dipping of a simple vegetable bounces into salt water (which represents tears) mirrors the pain felt by the Hebrew slaves in Egypt.


Salt water: Salt water symbolizes the tears and sweat of enslavement, though paradoxically, it’s also a symbol for purity, springtime, and the sea, the mother of all life. Often a single bowl of salt water sits on the table into which each person dips their karpas during the Seder.


Matzah: Perhaps the most important symbol on the Seder table is a plate that has a stack of three pieces of matzah (unleavened bread) on it. The matzot (that’s plural for matzah) are typically covered with a cloth. People have come up with numerous interpretations for the three matzot. Some say they represent the Kohen class (the Jewish priests in ancient times), the Levites (who supported the priests), and the Israelites (the rest of the Jews). What symbolism you attribute to this trinity isn't all that important, as long as you’re thinking about it.
During the struggles of Soviet Jewry, a fourth piece of matzah was added to the Seder plate to symbolize the struggles of Jews who were not yet free enough to celebrate the Passover. Today, some families still use that fourth matzah as a way of remembering all people who are not yet free to celebrate as they wish.
Wine cups and wine (or grape juice): Everyone at the Seder has a (usually very small) cup or glass from which they drink four cups of wine. Traditionally, the four cups represent the four biblical promises of redemption: “I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you from their slavery, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments. And I will take you to me for a people . . .”
During the meal we also try to discuss:
  • The story of the children of Israel and their deliverance from slavery
  • The last supper and what happened during it. If things are going well, read a little about it from the New Testament.


Finish the meal with a hymn just as Christ did with his disciples at the last supper.


Other:
  • You can have kids wash each others feet before the meal. This isn’t only what Christ did during the last supper, it was a Jewish tradition for the servants to wash the masters’ feet before the meal.
  • Grocery List:
    • grape juice (lots of it, enough for four cups per person)
    • Matza or some kind of unleavened bread (you can make this too)
    • Horseradish/romaine
    • Parsley
    • Lamb
    • Eggs
Attachment 3
Good Friday—Stations of the Cross Ideas
This is a solemn activity that should be conducted with the utmost reverence. The idea is to move from space to space in your house/yard to ponder the journey our Savior took from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Garden Tomb. Elder Holland’s talk (“None Were with Him,” by Elder Jeffrey Holland, April 2009) may be helpful to read as you prepare for this activity. Have items ready in advance, as well as your scriptures nearby. Say a prayer and sing a hymn before beginning and ask for the Spirit to be with you as you consider these events. This activity will help children feel, understand, and remember these events using physical items and activities that relate to the events of Good Friday.


1. Gethsemane
Luke 22:40-46
Item: olive leaf, picture of olive press
Picture of Christ with angel (who might be the angel?)
Discuss: Alma 34—take upon him all of our sorrows. What does it mean to succor? Have you ever wished for a “cup to pass”? How has suffering helped you help others? How does knowing someone understands your pain help you when you’re suffering?
video
2. Betrayal
Luke 22:47-48
Item: ten dimes
Discuss: betrayal, how it feels. Have you felt betrayed?
3. Christ condemned before Caiaphas
Mark 14:55-61, 62-65
Item: cloth to rent/tear
Discuss: humiliation, kindness in the face of cruelty, what does “blasphemy” mean?
video
4. Christ before Pilate
Matt 27:2, 11-14 and Isaiah 53:7
He answered nothing
Pilate’s wife’s dream (Matt 27:19-20)
5. Christ before Herod
Luke 23:7-12
He answered nothing again
6. Christ before Pilate (second time)
Matt 27:24-25
Item/activity: wash hands
video
7. Christ scourged and mocked by soldiers: crown of thorns, scarlet robe, whipped.
Matthew 27:27-30
Item/activity: Make crown of thorns
Discuss: how did Jesus react to mocking? How can we react? Did it change Jesus’s course of action?
video
8. Walk to Golgotha (bear cross)
Matt 27:32, Luke 23:27-31
Simon asked to help him. Multitude followed him, sorrowing for him. He told them not to sorrow, that they should cry for their children who will see horrid things.
Item/activity: carry a heavy piece of wood on your shoulders/back and walk (uphill if possible)
Discuss: How can we step in to help others being ridiculed? How can we carry Jesus’s cross?
9. Nailed to cross between two thieves
Luke 23:32-33, John 19:17-22
Discuss: Golgotha (place of the skull), sign that read “king of the Jews;” think about pain of being crucified
Item/activity: nail a nail into a board
10. Soldiers mock him, give him vinegar, tell him to save himself.  
Mark 15:29-32; Luke 23:34, 36-37; John 19:23-24
Discuss: Christ forgives them, they know not what they do. They cast lots for his clothes.   
Activity: cast lots (throw dice)
11. Christ asks disciple to care for Mary, who is there.  
John 19:25-27
Discuss: This is one of the last things Jesus does before dying. How should we treat our mothers? How do we care for them? Why is this important?
12. Darkness in the land: “why has thou forsaken me”
Matthew 27:45-46, Mark 15:33-34
Item/Activity: blow out candle
Discuss: why God withdrew. Did he really? “None Were with Him,” by Elder Jeffrey Holland, April 2009.
13. Giving up the Ghost  
Matt 27:48-54
Discuss: He says that he thirsts. Is given a sponge full of vinegar to drink. Christ cries and gives up the ghost. Temple veil rent in twain, earthquake and rocks rent. Graves opened up. Darkness in the land. Centurion said that Jesus was a righteous man.  
Item/Activity: taste vinegar
14. Stabbed in the side
John 19:31-37
Discuss: How did the people treat his body?


15. His body taken off the cross, wrapped in linen, and placed in the tomb with a stone rolled over.
Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42
Nicodemus (John 3:1-10, 7:50) This man loved and supported Jesus, how does that make you feel?
Rested for the Sabbath.

Video


Resurrection Rolls
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 cans (8 oz each) Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
16 large marshmallows
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp. (or so) of milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
In a small bowl mix together sugar and cinnamon.  Melt butter in separate bowl.
Dip marshmallows in melted butter and then roll in cinnamon sugar.  Place each marshmallow on a crescent roll and wrap dough around so that the marshmallow is completely hidden, pinching it as needed.  (This is very important).
Place in greased muffin tins and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown.Meanwhile, stir together powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable, but not too thin.
Immediately remove from pans. (They may be sticky- use a spoon to loosen them). Place on a platter.  Drizzle with icing and top with pecans.  Eat while warm. (Makes 16 rolls).  To reheat, wrap in foil, heat at 375 for 5-10 minutes.
the mystery…the empty roll

Easter Week Daily Schedule

PALM SUNDAY  |  EVENT: TRIUMPHAL ENTRY
Jesus Christ rides into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, and is greeted by multitudes of people shouting Hosanna, waving palms, and laying down clothing and branches for Christ to walk on. They recognize Him as their King. “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:9)
READ — Triumphal entry: Mark 11:1–1; Prophecy of triumphal entry: Zechariah 9:9
SING — Hosannah (Children’s Songbook 66)
ACTIVITY — Make this a special celebration, as it is the first event to kick off Easter Week. Prepare by cutting out palm leaves out of craft paper, or cut down outside leaves. Read the story as a family, and then act out Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Hang up (or draw) a picture of the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday’s picture frame.

MONDAY  |  EVENT: CLEANSING THE TEMPLE, HEALING BLIND & LAME
Three years prior to this Easter Week, Jesus Christ had cleansed the temple in Jerusalem and called it "my Father's house." On this day of Easter Week, Christ once again clears the temple of money changers but, in his role as Messiah, claims the temple as "my house." He teaches in the temple, and the blind and lame come to Him, and He heals them.
READ — Christ cleanses temple, heals blind: Matthew 21: 12–17; Christ cleanses temple, teaches: Luke 19:45–48
SING — Come Follow Me (Hymn 116)
ACTIVITY — Watch the bible video “Jesus Cleanses the Temple.” Talk about why Jesus was upset. Why is it important to be respectful of sacred things? Hang up (or draw) pictures of Jesus cleansing temple, and healing blind.

TUESDAY  |  EVENT: TEACHINGS & PARABLES
Jesus was the master teacher. On this day, He teaches the awaiting crowds at the temple and the mount of Olives through sermons and parables. His powerful teachings on this day include the parable of the Ten Virgins, the Widow’s Mite, and the Greatest Commandment, love one another. He also emphasizes the importance of serving others: “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto the one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
READ — The Greatest Commandment: Matthew 22:35–40; Ye Have Done It Unto Me: Matthew 25: 31–46; The Widow’s Mite: Mark 12:41–44; The Parable Of The Talents: Matthew 25: 14-30; The Parable Of 10 Virgins: Matthew 25:1–13
SING — Love One Another (Hymn 308)
ACTIVITY — Choose one of the parables to act out as a family. Discuss some of the teachings of Christ and why Love and Service is such an important lesson for all. Hang up (or draw) a picture of Christ teaching.

WEDNESDAY  |  EVENT: HEALINGS, MIRACLES, & BETRAYAL*
*The events of this day are unclear. Some believe this is the day Judas set in motion his plans to betray Christ. Others believe Christ continued to teach, heal, and perform miracles. Instead of focusing on where Jesus was, we can focus on what He taught and did during his ministry. Prayerfully decide which stories and events from Jesus Christ’s life you will focus on. Below you will find some suggested scriptures.
READ — Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jairus: Mark 5:22–24, 35–43; Jesus heals woman with issue of blood: Mark 5:25–3; Jesus calms the tempest: Mark 4:37–40; Judas betrays Jesus: Matt 26:14–164
SING — Our Saviors Love (Hymn 113)
ACTIVITY — Watch the Video of Christ healing the Daughter of Jairus, Christ healing the woman with the issue of blood, or of Christ calming the tempest, Discuss why we must have faith in the Savior, and why each of these miracles happened because of faith. Hang up (or draw) a picture of one of Christ’s miracles.

THURSDAY  |  EVENT: LAST SUPPER, ATONEMENT IN GETHSEMANE
On this day, Jesus sat with his apostles for the Last Supper, or Passover, the feast of unleavened bread. In this setting Jesus washed his apostles feet, instituted the sacrament, and taught his final and perhaps most personal sermon. After the Passover, Jesus went with his apostles to Gethsemane where he suffered for the sins of the world. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the crowning moment of the universe, the single most important event of all time; “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows...he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 4–5) Finally betrayed, Jesus is taken from the garden and spends the night in illegal trials.
READ — The Last Supper: John 13:1–35; Gethsemane: Luke 22: 39–46, Matthew 26:36–45; Jesus is betrayed and taken: Matthew 26:45–57
SING — How Great Thou Art (Hymn 86)
ACTIVITY — Eat a Jerusalem Dinner, and turn out the lights and eat on the floor by candlelight. Read the scriptural accounts of the last supper, and Christ’s atonement. Watch the video of Christ in Gethsemane. Talk about the importance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ for all mankind. Hang up (or draw) a picture of the Last Supper, and a picture of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane.

GOOD FRIDAY  |  EVENT: CRUCIFIXION AND BURIAL
After a night of no sleep, Jesus was called before Caiaphas, Pilate, Herod, and then Pilate again. He was condemned to and suffered scourging at the hands of Roman soldiers. Then, with a the cross on his back, began the march towards Golgotha where he would be crucified. After hours of agony and after having completed the work the Father had given him, Jesus died as the sky darkened and the earth shook in mourning. After his death, Jesus’ body is prepared by his followers to be placed in the tomb. (More info on Good Friday)
READ — Jesus is held in illegal trials: Matthew 26:57–68; Jesus is condemned by Pilate: Matthew 27:1–2, 11–25; Jesus is scourged and crucified: Matthew 26: 27–54; Jesus is laid in a tomb: Matthew 27:57–60
SING — I Stand All Amazed (Hymn 193); There is a Green Hill Far Away (Hymn 194)
ACTIVITY — Read scriptural accounts, sing songs, and watch the video of Christ’s crucifixion. Share testimonies of how Christ’s atonement and suffering blesses you and your family’s life. Hang up (or draw) a picture of Christ on the Cross, and being prepared for burial.

SATURDAY  |  EVENT: THE SPIRIT WORLD & THE AMERICAS
Although the gospel writers in the Bible do not detail this day, Peter wrote that as Jesus' body lay in the tomb his spirit visited "the spirits in prison" to preach to them. Meanwhile in the Americas, scriptural accounts teach that a great storm shook the earth, and that darkness descended in the land, lasting for three days as a sign of Christ’s death.
READ — Guards are placed in front of tomb: Matthew 27:62–66; The Americas have storm & darkness: 3 Nephi 8:6, 19–23; Christ speaks to the Americas: 9: 13–21, 10:9–11; The Spirit World: 1 Peter 3:18–19
SING — I Need thee Every Hour (Hymn 98); Nearer my God to Thee (Hymn 100); Lead Kingly Light (Hymn 97); Be still my Soul (Hymn 124)
ACTIVITY — Turn off all of the lights and light some candles. Read the scriptural accounts of this time. Discuss how Christ is the light of the world and brings us out of the darkness. Sing songs about Christ.

SUNDAY  |  EVENT: THE RESURRECTION
Early in the morning some of Christ’s followers go to the tomb to lovingly attend to His body. They find the tomb open and an angelic message that Jesus has risen from the dead. Peter and John race to the empty tomb to confirm the news. Shortly thereafter the resurrected Lord appears to Mary, other faithful women, disciples on their way to Emmaus, and finally to his awaiting apostles. Jesus Christ overcame death and was resurrected, and because He lives, all of us will live again.
READ — Angels announce resurrection: Luke 24: 1–12; Mary Magdalene sees Christ: John 20:11–17; Christ appears to many: Matthew 28: 1–10, 16–20
SING — He is Risen (Hymn 199); Beautiful Savior (Children’s Songbook 62); I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Hymn 136); Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (Hymn 200)
ACTIVITY — Have a sunrise talk or morning devotional. Watch the video of Christ’s Resurrection . Reflect on the joy that Christ’s atonement and resurrection gives us. Hang up (or draw) a picture of the Resurrected Christ.

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