Sharing the knowledge on treats to Iraq...

I know that many of my family members are excellent at the art of baking. I am not half bad at the job, but doing it is another thing. I am sure that at some point, I am going to send my boy something homemade. I received some information that maybe helpful when considering treats to Iraq, and I thought I would share the knowledge with all of you.

Sending cookies and brownies across the miles to our military troops stationed abroad is a a special way to share the goodness and love of a home-baked treat with those far away. The TOLL HOUSE test kitchen has modified favorite recipes to withstand the desert heat.

This page is full of tips for everyone that sends cookies to their service member. However, you must be a registered Angel to be involved with the Angels Bakers Team. Adopt a service member at: www.soldiersangels.org

To ensure that baked goods will withstand the high desert heat, please review the tips below:

(1) No butter, margarine, peanut butter or nuts should be used. These fats will go rancid too fast in the high heat. Butter flavored vegetable shortening is a better alternative.

(2) No brown sugar, corn sugar, honey, or molasses should be used. The baked goods will be too soft and possibly become moldy. Only white table sugar should be used.

(3) Chocolate and butterscotch can be used in baked goods. Once chocolate has been baked into the product and has the chance to take up moisture from the batter, the chocolate will stay rather firm.

(4) Bar cookies and brownies are the best bets for safe packing and are quickest for baking large quanities.

(5) Baked goods should be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil, which provides the best barrier against humidity.

(6) Pack goodies in sturdy boxes and surround them with foam pakcaging material such as styrofoam "peanuts."

Test out recipes for heat and mold before shipping:

(1) Bake recipe

(2) wrap a brownie, cookie, loaf etcin a large zip lock bag

(3) Place test item in your trunk for a week

(4) At the end of the week, ope and evaluate

Just thought I would share the knowledge....Hope you have fun baking for our Soldiers...