In a previous post, I described my conversation with my father regarding what I wanted him to get me for Christmas, about how prepared I was for his call, that I wanted something homemade and from the heart, the epiphany I had about all my gifts this year being made by me …  crafty … computer stuff.

Then I got another phone call from Dad: “Did you already get me a present for Christmas?” he asked. “’Cause if not, I would really love some of the smoked salmon we made while I was visiting this summer.” Okay, so much for my computer craft stuff – but still made with love. 

Lucky for me, in Alaska, at The UPS Store®, WE SHIP FISH! Packed tight in a specially-designed box with a Styrofoam cooler built in and then shipped UPS Next Day Air® to your loved ones.

This sent me on a very different strand of thought. Maybe I could bake cookies, fudge or my new recipe for Vegan Mocha Hazelnut Brownies. Lots more possibilities! 

If you, like me, are getting busy in the kitchen this holiday season, the following tips will help ensure that your homemade baked goods arrive looking as festive as when you sent them.

• Send items that will travel well – oatmeal, sugar or peanut butter cookies, brownies, molasses bars, biscotti, shortbread, dried fruit or snack mixes and hard candy are all good shipping candidates.
• Avoid items that can’t withstand heat or other extreme temperatures, such as chocolate or foods that require refrigeration unless your box will keep items frozen or cold. UPS does not keep your items in a refrigerated compartment and it will need to remain cold until your gift recipient puts it into their fridge.
• Use a coffee can or a potato chip canister as a cookie cutter and then use the same container to ship the cookies; they will stack perfectly and won’t crumble.
• Seal all perishable items in an interior airtight container or plastic bag before packing them. Consider sending your treats via UPS Next Day Air® or other expedited shipping methods.
• Fill air gaps with squares of bubble cushioning to soften the vibration and prevent cookies or brownies from breaking.
• Make sure your gift recipients will be in town to receive their tasty treats. If no one is there to accept delivery of the package, it could sit on a porch or in a warehouse over the holidays. This is especially problematic for perishable items.

With thousands of service members stationed overseas, many “tastes of home” will cross international borders for the holidays. To ensure your gift arrives, check the restrictions of the destination country. The UPS Store international shipping experts can help you identify a specific country’s restrictions.

Happy Holidays bakers! Be creative!

VEGAN BLACK BEAN MOCHA HAZELNUT BROWNIE RECIPE

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

2 ¼ cups raw sugar

1 ¼ cup cocoa

4 tsp instant coffee powder

1 ½ cups chopped hazelnuts

1 15 oz can black beans – NO seasoned beans.

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup of water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together flour, salt and baking powder, add the other dry ingredients and mix well.

Thoroughly rinse black bean until water runs clean. Return the beans to the can and fill with water. Puree the beans and water. Add the puree to the dry mix along with the vanilla and extra cup of water. Stir to combine.

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan around halfway through.  When the brownies are finished they should be firm in the center and the edges will be slightly puffy and starting to pull away from the sides.  It is important not to over bake because they will keep baking once you take them out.