Applesauce Cake in Jars
Yield: 1 Servings
2/3 c Shortening
2 2/3 c Granulated sugar
4 ea Large eggs
2 c Applesauce
2/3 c Water
3 1/3 c All-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. Baking powder
2 tsp. Baking soda 1 1/2 tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
2 tsp. Ground cloves 2/3 c Nuts; chopped, optional
Sterilize 8 (12 oz Ball Quilted Crystal – #14400-81400) canning jars, lids and rings by boiling for 10 minutes. Remove the jars and allow to air-dry and cool. Leave the lids and rings in the hot water until ready to use.
Once the jars are cool enough to handle, grease them (use a pastry brush) with shortening (DO NOT use Pam or Baker’s Secret); set aside. Cream together the shortening and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the applesauce and water; set aside.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves. Blend dry ingredients into the applesauce mixture. Fold in the nuts. Pour batter into the jars, filling them about 1/2 full. Place jars onto a cookie sheet or they’ll fall over. Bake in a preheated 325-degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until a pick inserted deep into the center of each cake comes out clean. Remove jars from the oven, one-at-a-time (use HEAVY-DUTY MITTS, the jars ARE HOT!); place a lid, then a ring on top and screw down tightly.
Place jars onto your counter top to cool. You’ll know when the jars have sealed, you’ll hear a “plinking” sound. If you missed the sound, test them by pressing down on the lids once the jars have cooled–they shouldn’t move at all.
Store jars in a cool, dry place. They should keep for about a year. I’ve only been able to keep them for a few weeks, they don’t last that long around here. They’re wonderful for last minute gifts, especially for single friends.
Gingerbread Baked in Jars
Yield: 5 Servings
2 1/4 c Flour (all-purpose)
3/4 c Sugar
1 tsp. Baking soda
1/2 tsp. Baking powder
1/4 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Ginger (ground)
1 tsp. Cinnamon (ground)
1/2 tsp. Cloves (ground)
3/4 c Margarine (softened)
3/4 c Water
1/2 c Molasses
Preheat oven to 325-degrees (NO higher).
Sterilize 5 (12 oz) Ball Quilted Crystal (#14400-81400) jam/jelly canning jars, lids and rings by boiling them for 15 minutes. Remove the jars from water and allow to air-dry on your counter top; leave the lids and rings in the hot water until you’re ready to use them.
Once the jars are cool enough to handle, use a pastry brush to grease them with shortening (DO NOT use butter, margarine, PAM or Baker’s Secret); set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Stir in margarine, water and molasses until well blended. Divide batter among the 5 jars (they should be about ½ full). Place jars onto a cookie sheet or they’ll tip over.
Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for 35 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Move the jars around in the oven while they’re baking, so they’ll bake evenly.
Have your HOT lids ready. Using HEAVY-DUTY MITTS (the jars ARE HOT!) Take one jar at a time from the oven and place a lid on, then the ring. Tightly screw on lids–do it FAST because the lid gets REAL hot! Allow jars to cool on your countertop.
Once the jars are cool, decorate with round pieces of cloth. Unscrew the ring (the lid should be sealed by now) and place a few cotton balls or a wad of batting on top of the lid (makes it poof-y on top), then a piece of cloth (about 3″ larger than the lid) on top and screw the ring back on.
Decorate as desired. I used pinking shears to cut the cloth rounds out, otherwise some material will start to unravel. –glue on dried flowers, bows, ribbons, etc….
