Jar cakes

1    Information
 
  
  Ever baked cakes in canning jars? It's neat! ANY quick bread-type
  cake can be baked in canning jars.
  
  I usually bake one jar first -- you have to know how high the batter
  rises. I usually fill ONE jar 1/2 full then bake it to see how high
  it rises, then go from there. You don't want the cake to come out of
  the top of the jar, only to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the lip of
  the jar. Write it down on your recipe (how far you filled the jars)!
  Once you've established how high the cake rises, you can go from
  there. The first time around is a bit tricky because you won't know
  how many jars you'll need. MOST of the recipes I've tried I end up
  using around 8. Sterilize as many jars as you think you'll need and
  go from there. Make sure your LIDS are new, the rings don't have to
  be As the jars do seal, the cakes are as moist as the day you put
  them into the jars--sometimes MORESO.
  
  The baking times will vary -- the moistness of each cake recipe will
  determine the time. MOST of the recipes I've tried bake in 35-40
  minutes. Start checking the cakes at 25- 30 minutes and go from there.
  
  YES, the cakes DO slide easily out of the jars IF you use the jars
  I've listed. They're Ball 12-oz Quilted Crystal Canning Jars
  (#14400-81400). They can be found at most grocery stores (at least
  here in California) next to the pectin and other canning supplies.
  Also, I've seen the 12 oz straight-sided (plain) jars (# ?) at Smart
  & Final. The plain jars work fine too but they're not as pretty and
  you have to make your own labels--the jars I use come with decorative
  labels. One IMPORTANT tip--get your jars NOW! Once summer's over with
  they're very hard to find. Also, when you can, ask for the jars back,
  they're NOT cheap. Most folks don't mind returning them though, they
  usually want refills! 
  
  There will be a little condensation on the lids and some in the jars
  so when you seal them it's trapped inside. Don't worry about getting
  the water off of the lids before placing them onto the jars, the
  added moisture doesn't hurt the cakes in the slightest. Quick
  bread-type cakes work best, I've found that lighter cakes tend to
  fall when the jars seal.
  
  I'm trying to address every question that's been asked of me before,
  I HOPE I've done that. If I've missed anything or if anyone has any
  questions, don't hesitate to ask. These make WONDERFUL Christmas
  gifts and you cn start NOW! Single friends really appreciate these
  because each jar makes enough for one or two people. I'll post the
  recipes I've made in my next notes. Try them, they're FUN and
  delicious to boot! Be right back with a few more tips...
  
  Several folks have asked me how long the cakes can be safely
  stored...I'm not sure. The longest I've been able to keep them
  (without getting eaten) is 6 months. The jars DO seal, just like any
  canned good. You don't have to refrigerate the jars, just keep them
  in a COOL, dark, dry place. I've only had 6 jars go bad on me and
  that was my fault...put them in a cupboard that got too hot and the
  seals broke. I now check the jars at least once a week by pushing
  down on the lid (in the middle); if the lid moves up and down, that
  means the seal has broken. If you've checked the jars frequently,
  more than likely they're safe to eat; otherwise, toss the cake. I've
  been making cakes in canning jars for over 3 years and haven't
  poisoned anyone so far. :)  If you give the jars away, be sure to
  tell the person to check the jar periodically (if they plan on
  storing it for any length of time).
  
  Not only are the cakes tasty, they're very pretty to decorate. A hot
  glue gun is INVALUABLE! You cn glue on dried flowers, ribbons,
  dough-art ...you name it, it can be glued onto the lid, ring and side
  of the jar. I usually cut out a piece of cloth (about 3 inches larger
  in circumference than the lid), using pinking shears (so the cloth
  doesn't unravel), place a wad of cotton or batting in the center of
  the lid (take the ring off -- the jar lid should be sealed by now),
  then place the piece of cloth on top and replace the ring. Decorate
  to your heart's desire!
  
  There are probably a few more tips I've forgotten...if anyone has any
  questions, don't hesitate to ask. Don't limit yourself to the recipes
  I've given you...ANY quick-bread type cake cn be baked in canning
  jars. Lighter cakes tend to fall once the jar seals.
  
    Linda/BDT Burbank, CA (USA) Posted in COOKING by: Sandee Eveland
  8/31/93 From: Jean Cody ~--
  
  From: Gail Shipp                      Date: 10-21-94