BREAD-IN-A-JAR FOR GIFT GIVING

This recipe is easy to do, but the instructions must be followed exactly. The nicest thing about giving "bread in a jar" is that those who receive it can keep it until they get over the holiday "food blahs" and then open it to truly enjoy its goodness. This bread can safely be baked in wide-mouth canning jars and when sealed immediately upon removing from the oven, it will keep on the shelf for up to one year. Be sure to take the jars out of the oven one at a time, sealing each as you take it out. When the jars have cooled enough to handle them, tighten the tops. As the jars cool, you will hear that little pinging sound as the heat seals the lids. This recipe for the jar variety also includes variations of other kinds of breads in jars.

PUMPKIN BREAD:

2/3 c. shortening
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 2/3 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
4 eggs
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. canned pumpkin
1 tsp. ground cloves
2/3 c. water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/3 c. flour
2/3 c. nuts

Cream shortening and sugar, beat in eggs, pumpkin and water. Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices. Add to pumpkin mixture. Stir in nuts. Pour mixture into greased wide-mouth jars filling 1/2 full. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. When done, remove one jar at a time, wipe sealing edge with paper towel or cloth and screw cap on tightly. The heat will vacuum seal the jar and the bread will keep for up to one year. Makes 8 pints.

VARIATIONS:

Substitute for pumpkin one of the following:

2 c. shredded apples or carrots
1 3/4 c. applesauce plus 1/4 c. pineapple
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 bag whole ground fresh cranberries
2 c. shredded zucchini
2 c. mashed bananas
1 3/4 c. applesauce plus 1/4 c. raisins
2 c. fresh peaches

 

Post by Susan P.

 

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