Can you tell me about your experience? The request I have is for a zipcode that does not have express mailing available. I have to come up with something that will last about 2 weeks and withstand desert heat. Help!!!

If you do get a response please share on this forum. I would love to know too!!

Well, the search function for the forums does not seem to be cooperating for me, but there was a post on this just a few weeks ago. My brother in law is stationed in Afghanistan as well, and someone else mentioned cake in a jar. Basically from what I've read (by googling - not on here) is to sterilize mason jars (like you would for canning), spray liberally with vegetable oil, bake in those, and while hot put your lids on so they will vacuum seal. Ship icing separately. I was wondering why I couldn't just put the icing in with it, and never really got an answer.

Maybe the icing would met in the hot jar? Maybe it would melt in transit (which would melt in a separate container anyway)? Maybe it spoiled the cake?

Someone else mentioned they were not good for "long term" storage. Though that person's definition of long term was over a year which I guess in canning terms is about right. Two to Three weeks was acceptable to most, some people said they were good after 6 months in a cool pantry. I'd say it depends on how long it will take to get there.

I was ready to make a batch this week to send to my BIL, but apparently he will be off base on mission for a while and said it's best not to send anything right now.

My brother has done 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past couple of years. Needless to say, I have sent him lots and lots of baked goods. Mostly they have been cookies and breads. With cookies, I have sent them in those Ziploc disposable containers with the blue lids. I just put wax paper between the layers of cookies and made sure that the lid was on tight. I have done the same with brownies. With breads, I wrapped them in saran wrap and have also placed them in Ziploc containers. I also make sure that the box is packed pretty tight so that the containers don't get jostled around too much. They've always made it within a week or two and the response back from my brother has been great. The other guys there with him always ask if he has gotten anything from me lately, so I figure they still must taste pretty good.

Thankyou for the input! I think I have it figured out now.