HOLIDAY BREAD IN A JAR

Steps:

• Cream the shortening and sugar. Add the eggs, baking powder, soda, salt and spices.
• Add water alternately with the flour. Stir in the nuts and can of cranberry sauce.
• Grease 8 pint size canning jars that have been washed in hot soapy water and dried.
• (Grease them by using a brush dipped in melted shortening). Fill each jar 1/2 full; wipe the rim clean and bake in a 325°F oven for 35 to 45 minutes (bake on cookie sheet on middle rack).
• Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in large pot. Turn off heat when water begins to boil. Place the lids and caps in the water and let sit for 10 minutes or more. Leave the lids in the hot water until ready to use.
• When the cakes are done, remove the jars one at a time. Wipe the rim and quickly add lid. No need to wipe off water from lid--the added moisture will not hurt the cake. Screw lids on tightly and let rest on towel until completely cool. Jars will seal as they cool.
• Makes 8 pint size jar cakes--stores up to 6 months in cool dry place.
• If giving as a gift, top with pretty fabric and attach a card with name of cake, date made, and expiration date.
• If not for a gift, just write the info on the lid with a permanent marker.
• When ready to use, if cakes do not slide out easily, just run jar under hot water for a few seconds or microwave with lids removed for 2 seconds.
• Recipezaar Editor Note: Additional information from Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service regarding canning safety for breads and cakes.
• http://hgic.clemson.edu/PDF/HGIC3051.pdf.
• "These products are not recommended for canning. Choose recipes that you can freeze. In fact, most of these products are not really "canned." The directions call for baking in the jar and then closing with a canning lid. Many recipes for quick breads and cakes are low acid and have the potential for supporting the growth of bacteria like Clostridium botulinum if it is present inside the closed jar. You will see these products made commercially; however, additives, preservatives and processing controls not available for home recipes are used. Canning jar manufacturers also don't endorse baking in their canning jars.