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Sending cookies and brownies
across the miles to our military troops stationed abroad is a
special way to share the goodness and love of a home-baked treat
with those far away.
Many concerned groups and individuals
across the country have expressed interest in sending baked goods
to the U.S. troops in the Middle East. In response, the Toll
House Test Kitchen has modified favorite Toll House recipes to
withstand the desert heat and to meet the restrictions of the
Middle East countries. Middle East countries prohibit the following because
they are contrary to the Islamic religion:
- The entry of pork or pork by-products
- Alcoholic beverages (or items
containing any alcohol, including vanilla)
- Home-baked treats should not
contain allspice or nutmeg--spices are considered aphrodisiacs.
A card should be included with
the package stating that the products were made following these
guidelines. This will facilitate passage into the country.
In addition, address the package
to a specific person. The U.S. Postal Service will not accept
mail addressed to "Any Serviceman".
To ensure
that baked goods will withstand the high desert heat, please
review the tips below:
- 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.
- 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.
- Chocolate & 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.
- Bar cookies and brownies are
the best bets for safe packing and are quickest for baking large
quantities.
Baked goods should be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil, which
provides the best barrier against humidity.
- Pack goodies in sturdy boxes
and surround them with foam packaging material such as Styrofoam
"peanuts."
Desert-Safe
Recipes
Recipes that follow the Middle
East guidelines and tips from the Toll House Kitchen
 Click
here to find additional
mailing information from the U.S. Postal Service, "Tips
for Mailing to Service Members in Iraq"
Article and recipes are the property
of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.
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