Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: My church is putting a package together to send to a soldier in Iraq. I was wondering if there is a hint for keeping cookies fresh longer. — Gerri, via e-mail

First, you probably want to bake cookies that are sturdy, like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, etc., because the more delicate the cookies, the easier they will break. Coffee cans or potato-chip cans are excellent packaging tools. Put a couple of cookies in a plastic bag and place inside the can, then put a layer of tissue paper for cushioning. Place the filled can(s) inside a box and cushion well with packing material. It might take a couple of weeks (or more) for a soldier to receive the goodies. One of my assistants has a brother stationed overseas. She said she has mailed him a couple of boxes, and it took almost two weeks for him to get them. She sent store-bought cookies in a tin, and they arrived in good condition. Good luck! — Heloise