HELPING THE MILITARY TROOPS STATIONED
ABROAD IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Source: Nestle

Middle East countries prohibit the following because they are contrary to the Islamic religion:
a) the entry of pork or pork by-products
b) alcoholic beverages (or items containing any alcohol, including vanilla)
c) home-baked treats should not contain allspice or nutmeg - spices are considered aphrodisiacs

A card should be included with the package stating that the products were made following these guidelines. This will facilitate passage into the country.

In addition, address the package to a specific person. The U.S. Postal Service will not accept mail addressed to "Any Serviceman".

To ensure that baked goods will withstand the high desert heat, please review the tips below:

a) No butter, margarine, peanut butter or nuts should be used. These fats will go rancid too fast in the high heat. Butter flavored vegetable shortening is a better alternative.

b) No brown sugar, corn sugar, honey, or molasses should be used. The baked goods will be too soft and possibly become moldy. Only white table sugar should be used.

c) Chocolate & butterscotch can be used in baked goods. Once chocolate has been baked into the product and has the chance to take up moisture from the batter, the chocolate will stay rather firm.

Bar cookies and brownies are the best bets for safe packing and are quickest for baking large quantities.

Baked goods should be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil, which provides the best barrier against humidity.

Pack goodies in sturdy boxes and surround them with foam packaging material such as Styrofoam "peanuts."

Really good tips from the "Cookie Lady"
http://www.treatthetroops.org/tips.htm