If you plan to send cookies through the mail, follow these suggestions for careful mailing. First, select cookies that are mailable. Soft, moist cookies generally travel best. Bar cookies, brownies and drop cookies are least likely to be damaged because they are sturdier. Also, eliminate those cookies with moist fillings or frostings as they may become sticky at room temperature.

Second, choose a durable cardboard box or metal container for packing cookies. Line the container with waxed paper, foil or plastic wrap.

Third, pack cookies properly inside the box for extra protection. Wrap them individually or back-to-back in pairs, using plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped cookies in snug rows inside the packing box or container. Remember that cookies can be crushed when they have room to move inside the container.

Chocolate Chip Bars

Cream 1/2 c. softened butter and 3/4 c. packed brown sugar. Add 1 egg, 1 Tbsp. milk, and 1 tsp. vanilla. Beat well.

Stir together 1 c. flour, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, and 1/8 tsp. baking soda. Add to creamed mixture, beat well. Stir in 1 six-oz. package of semi sweets chocolate pieces. Spread in greased 9x9 baking pan. Bake at 350º for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool, cut into bars.

Chocolate pudding brownies ship well and make a nice gift.

Chocolate Pudding Brownies

6 Tbsp. butter
2/3 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. flour
4 oz. package of regular chocolate pudding mix
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. chopped nuts
powdered sugar

Cream butter and sugar. Blend in eggs, milk and vanilla. Stir together flour, pudding mix and baking powder. Add to creamed mixture, mix well. Stir in nuts. Spread in greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 350º for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool. Sift powdered sugar over top. Cut into bars.

These chocolate oatmeal cookies make a welcome gift idea.

Chocolate-Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
2 1-oz. squares of unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. rum flavoring
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. quick cooking rolled oats
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg, blend in chocolate, flavorings, and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix flour with soda, stir into creamed mixture. Stir in oats and nuts.

Form into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Flatten with sugared bottom of tumbler. Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Kay, I HTH. Tell your son THANK YOU from us, we all appreciate what he is giving for our country.