How to Cook in a Mason Jar

Cooking in mason jars will preserve foods for longer periods of time.

In the event of a natural disaster or power outage, you may have to survive off of storage food. Cooking in mason jars is a good way to make easily preservable products to eat later. Foods preserved in mason jars are also good gifts for family members and friends during the holiday season. Whether you are waiting for a storm to pass or sending your best friend a gift for her birthday, mason jar cakes are simple projects that can be made at home.

Things You'll Need

• 8 pint-sized mason jars
• 24 oz. applesauce or 3 cups peeled, chopped apples
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup canola oil
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. allspice
• 1 cup raisins or chopped dates
• 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Mix the applesauce, eggs, canola oil and vanilla extract in a large bowl.

3. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, allspice, raisins or dates and chopped nuts into bowl with wet ingredients. Mix together until a consistent batter is formed.

4. Wash and dry your mason jars, then grease and flour the inside of the jars. Fill each jar 2/3 full and bake for 30 minutes, or until you can stick the cakes with a toothpick and it comes out clean.

5. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place jar lids into the boiling water.

6. Remove fully cooked cakes and carefully wipe the rim of each jar.

7. Use a towel or heat pad to place the lids onto the clean jar rims and tighten each lid fully. The lids will make a slight popping noise as they cool, indicating a sealed jar.

8. Date and label the jars and store them in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use caution when handling hot lids and jars.

References

• Homestead Basics: Mason Jar Cake