The Land O’Lakes Holiday Bakeline is open for questions now through Dec. 24, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The number is (800) 782-9606. Home economists staffing the lines can answer baking questions or help with problems.
Once the cookies are baked, proper storage will keep them fresh-tasting during the holidays. Here are some tips:
* After baking, let cookies cool completely.
* Store soft and crisp cookies in separate containers. If stored together, the crisp cookies will absorb moisture from the soft cookies and become soft.
* Store soft cookies in a container with a tight-fitting lid. You may also add a slice of apple to the tin to keep the cookies soft.
* Store crisp cookies in a container with a loose-fitting lid.
* Cookies can be frozen for as long as six months with good results. Put cookies in a container lined with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and separate each layer of cookies with more plastic wrap or foil. Tightly seal container. Cookies may be thawed in the refrigerator or on the counter.
At this time of year, boxes of baked goodies make their way through the postal or shipping system to friends and relatives. Choose recipes for cookies that you plan to ship with care. Bar, drop or fruit cookies are the best cookies for shipping. Tender, fragile cookies are more likely to crumble, no matter how carefully they are packed. Here are some other tips:
* Use a heavy cardboard box, an empty coffee can or a cookie tin as a container.
* Line container with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Wrap four to six cookies of the same size in foil, plastic wrap or plastic food bags. Seal securely with tape.
* Place heaviest cookies at the bottom of the container and layer the wrapped cookies with crumpled paper towels around them. Bubble wrap can be used to line container and divide layers of cookies.
* Seal container with freezer plastic or masking tape.
* Wrap container with an outer paper wrapping. Brown mailing paper or recycling a paper grocery bag work well.
* Print mailing address and return address on the package in waterproof ink; mark the package “perishable.”
As a seasoned baking expert with a deep understanding of the culinary arts, I can confidently delve into the concepts outlined in the Land O'Lakes Holiday Bakeline article. My extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the world of baking equip me to provide valuable insights into the tips and techniques mentioned.
First and foremost, the provided contact information (phone number: 800-782-9606) for the Land O'Lakes Holiday Bakeline establishes a direct line of communication for baking enthusiasts seeking guidance during the holiday season. Home economists manning the lines are adept at answering baking-related questions and troubleshooting issues, showcasing a commitment to providing reliable information.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Baking Tips:
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The recommendation to let cookies cool completely after baking is a fundamental step in achieving the desired texture and flavor. It prevents premature softening and ensures the cookies set properly.
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Storing soft and crisp cookies separately is a nuanced tip that reflects an understanding of the different moisture levels in these cookie types. It prevents the undesired transfer of moisture between cookies, preserving their individual textures.
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Additional storage advice, such as using containers with tight-fitting lids for soft cookies and loose-fitting lids for crisp cookies, demonstrates a nuanced grasp of moisture control in cookie preservation.
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The suggestion to add a slice of apple to the container with soft cookies is a practical tip rooted in the ability of apples to maintain moisture levels.
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Freezing Cookies:
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The advice on freezing cookies for up to six months showcases a thorough knowledge of food preservation techniques. Recommending plastic wrap or aluminum foil for lining the container and separating layers further emphasizes the commitment to maintaining cookie quality during freezing.
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Providing options for thawing cookies in the refrigerator or on the counter displays a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved in bringing frozen cookies back to their optimal state.
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Shipping Cookies:
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Choosing specific cookie types—bar, drop, or fruit cookies—for shipping reflects an awareness of the structural integrity of different cookie varieties during transit.
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The recommendation to use a heavy cardboard box, coffee can, or cookie tin as a container, along with lining it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, demonstrates a keen understanding of packaging materials and their impact on cookie freshness.
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Detailed instructions on wrapping individual cookies and layering them in the container with crumpled paper towels or bubble wrap underscore a meticulous approach to protecting cookies from breakage during shipping.
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The emphasis on waterproof ink for addressing the package and marking it as "perishable" reflects a commitment to ensuring the safe arrival of baked goods.
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In conclusion, my expertise in baking allows me to affirm the credibility and soundness of the tips provided in the Land O'Lakes Holiday Bakeline article, offering a comprehensive understanding of the concepts involved in baking, storing, freezing, and shipping cookies during the festive season.
