Friday, December 4, 2009

More Cookie Tips...and a recipe!

I meant to include this with the original baking tips post, but completely forgot.

My brother is a Marine and has done one tour in Iraq. I sent him packages regularly and when I asked him what he would like the most he said homemade cookies...which I can definitely do! My mom actually was the first to send him homemade cookies. She put them in ziploc bags and then inside a cardboard box. By the time they got to him, it was clear mice had gotten into the cookies at some point. His didn't eat them, but his friends did...they must have been really desperate for a homemade cookie. :(

I figured out a great way to send cookies in the mail. I figure if they can make it halfway around the world with how I pack them, they can probably go anywhere.

First...I freeze the cookies the way I previously mentioned. Then, I vacuum seal the frozen cookies. I don't have a fancy vacuum sealer. I was using a Reynolds Handi-vac, which I just learned was discontinued. If he deploys again, I plan to buy a fancy one. Now..if you can't vacuum seal, then just pack the frozen cookies into ziploc bags and get out as much air as possible.

Then, put the ziploc bags into disposable plastic containers. This will make it mice-proof. :)

Be careful to not mix different cookie types within the ziploc bags. I find that the flavors get a bit wacky if you do that.

Then, just pack your plastic containers into a box with some packing material, such as bubble wrap, so things don't move around too much.

Also...if the package will be going through a hot climate, don't pack messy cookies. Sturdy ones like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, etc seem to do the best.

Once your cookies are packed get them to the post office ASAP..that way the first day in transit they are just thawing out and I figure at least one day fresher when they get to the recipient.

Now..for the recipe! It is a family favorite here that I posted last Christmas. But..I have a lot of new readers and figured I would post it again...enjoy!!!
http://runningmama-sarah.blogspot.com/2008/12/split-second-cookies.html

Also...if anyone makes any of my cookies, I would LOVE to hear how they turn out!!

Next up...Linzer cookies!!

3 comments:

Rue said...

Hi Sarah :)

Thank you for all the cookie tips! I had no idea that a dark pan would make the cookies darker. The packing tips are great too and so are your recipes.... yum! :)

rue

lifestudent said...

ok, these dont look so hard. Maybe I could actually make them ;)

Tricia said...

Great tips! My husband has completed two tours in Iraq and homemade cookies were his favorite thing to receive too!