Useful Information for packaging and baking

As we prepare to kick our group off I thought the following information might come in handy. Let me know if something doesn't make sense or if you have any questions.

Packaging cookies or homemade items: The best way I've heard of doing things is to use one of those cheap Ziplock Snap and Seal containers that measure about 12" x 6" x 4". Line the bottom of the container with 2-3 sheets of folded paper towels or napkins. Inside the fold that is going to be closest to the cookies, tuck a few pieces of apple peel. This is an old throwback to the days when Granddad was fighting in WWII and my grandmama would send goodies to him. I've tried the bread before and have received reports from "over there" that the bread has molded. Of course, that doesn't stop the men from eating what's under the molded bread... but let's try and prevent that from happening. Mmm, kay? We wouldn't want all your selfless, hard work to go to waste! Layer the cookies in a single layer, take another paper towel, fold it in half and tuck another little apple peel into the fold, repeat until you get to the top. At the top fold another 2-3 paper towels, again with a small piece of apple peel in the fold closest to the cookies. Tape the container shut, these boxes get thrown... so if you go through the paper towel trick and then tape the container shut, you're cookies are pretty much guaranteed to arrive safely.What kind of cookies to make:Make a cookie that makes you think of home. They don't need to be fancy: just simple, sweet and home baked. I tend to sway away from hard, crunchy cookies because the cookies loose a little oomph when mailed already. So- very simply, make a cookie that when you smell it... you think "home." Oh! and use real butter if you can afford it.

If you're interested in filling a box of just plain old goodies here are a few suggestions: Easy Mac, Granola, home made or purchased Trail mix, Packaged tuna (not canned), Crackers, Easy Cheese, Gum, Candy, things like Sweet Tarts, Mentos, Skittles, etc. (chocolate and gummies will melt) Mints, Chips, Dinty Moore, BEEF Jerky (absolutely NO pork products), Canned foods (no PORK and beans though), Crystal Light or Kool-Aide single serving packets
If you have questions about something you'd like to send and you're not sure about it comment to this post or email sistersinaprons@gmail.com and we'll help you out.

The easiest way to mail these goodies is by using flat rate boxes; even though they are going to an American post most of the time they still need a customs form. There are two of them, a big white one and a green square form. I know it seems like a hassle, but they really aren't that hard to complete. You can now fill them out online and print them before you go to the post office and I believe some post offices will come pick up your packages if you need them to.

**THE WEB ADDRESS TO FILL OUT ONLINE IS: https://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/#

**Some important things to note: Our group will be sending these boxes to people at least one person knows, but if you do not know them feel free to write a short note to them thanking them for their service or telling them why you've sent cookies. Most people over there really want a connection to home, meaning the States. Grab a couple postcards from your local city/state. Drop a line or two on the back of the postcard, maybe write your web address so the soldier/airmen/marine/seaman can check up on you and drop you a thank you. They like to say thanks. If nothing else they can use those post cards to write their family and loved ones so they have a more personal "I'm OK". **

Please, please, please do not send pork products (pork won't make it there, as this is an insult to the country these men are probably in).I hope this helps! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'd be more than happy to help.

Thanks for doing this for our men and women. You just don't know how this touches their hearts.

Let the baking begin!