Recipe - Applesauce Cake In Jars

ELLIE COLLIN CMKD93F
2/3 cup SHORTENING
2 2/3 cup GRANULATED SUGAR
4 Large EGGS
2 cup APPLESAUCE
2/3 cup WATER
3 1/3 cup ALLPURPOSE FLOUR, sifted
One half teaspoon BAKING POWDER
2 teaspoon BAKING SODA
1 One half teaspoon SALT
1 teaspoon GROUND CINNAMON
2 teaspoon GROUND CLOVES
2/3 cup NUTS; chopped,optional

Sterilize 8 (12 ounce Ball Quilted Crystal #1440081400) canning jars, lids
and rings by boiling for 10 minutes. Remove the jars and allow to airdry
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 One half full.
Place jars onto a cookie sheet or they'll fall over. Bake in a preheated
325degree oven for 3540 minutes or until a pick inserted deep into the
center of each cake comes out clean. Remove jars from the oven,
oneatatime (use HEAVYDUTY 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 cooledthey 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.

From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini