Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Dear Readers: Here are some great comments from our wonderful readers about sending cookies overseas to our troops:
UMary Pollmann, via e-mail, says: "My husband is overseas and loves homemade chocolate-chip cookies. I bake the cookies as usual and let them cool completely overnight. I use a vacuum sealer and make little pouches that hold two or three cookies each. The vacuum sealing seems to make the cookies impervious to breakage, and the cookies last a long time. This procedure can be a little time-consuming but works great. Hope this helps some of the families and friends of soldiers overseas."
UC. Petrarca of West Caldwell, N.J., says: "Your column on shipping cookies to troops brought back memories. I am a World War II vet and recall that my aunt once sent me a box of cookies that took approximately nine months to deliver. They followed me through several addresses and finally arrived at home after I was discharged. There were a few crumbs, of course."
UCrystal Dobson of Houston says: "My mom used to send cookies to her sweetheart in Vietnam -- she packed them with popcorn, and he loved it. It kept the cookies fresh and from breaking, and he had two treats to eat."
Thanks to everyone who sent us a note, and also a hug to all those who take the time to send our troops some goodies. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I read your hint about making a week's worth of menus at one time. I have done this all my married life because of my fire-chief husband's changing work schedules. Some meals needed to be prepared quickly, since I arrived home from teaching sometimes minutes before he had to eat and be off. Now, my married son (who does most of the cooking) and his wife post their weekly menu on an erasable board on their fridge. Louise Kellenberger, via e-mail
Need some ideas for main dishes? I have a pamphlet filled with great recipes, such as Creole Roast, Shrimp Dijon and Mother's Fried Rice. To get a copy, please send $3 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Heloise/MDM, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Did you know that making a menu for the whole week also helps with the grocery shopping? And whoever gets home first can start dinner. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When you boil eggs, let them cool and use a pencil to write "boiled" and the date on them before putting them in the refrigerator. Chris Land, Pensacola, Fla.
King Features Syndicate