Helping the Military Troops Stationed Abroad

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 in tightly sealed Ziploc baggies to secure contents from sand and rain.
  
  
• Pack goodies in sturdy boxes and surround them with foam packaging material or bubble wrap to prevent shifting. Avoid "packing peanuts", as the heat and static cling makes them impossible to clean up.