Applesauce Cake In Jars

ELLIE COLLIN CMKD93F 1/2 tsp BAKING POWDER

2/3 c SHORTENING

2 tsp BAKING SODA

2 2/3 c GRANULATED SUGAR

1 1/2 tsp SALT

4 ea Large EGGS

1 tsp GROUND CINNAMON

2 c APPLESAUCE

2 tsp GROUND CLOVES

2/3 c WATER

2/3 c NUTS; chopped -- optional

3 1/3 c ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR -- sifted

Sterilize 8 (12 oz Ball Quilted Crystal - #14400-81400) canning jars, lids and r ings by boiling for 10 minutes. Remove the jars and allow to air-dry and cool. L eave 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 s hortening (DO NOT use Pam or Baker's Secret); set aside. Cream together the shor tening and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is light an d fluffy. Add the applesauce and water; set aside. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinn amon and cloves. Blend dry ingredients into the applesauce mixture. Fold in the nuts. Pour batter into the jars, filling them about 1/2 full. Place jars onto a cookie sheet or they'll fall over. Bake in a preheated 325-deg ree oven for 35-40 minutes or until a pick inserted deep into the center of eac h cake comes out clean. Remove jars from the oven, one-at-a-time (use HEAVY-DUT Y MITTS, the jars ARE HOT!); place a lid, then a ring on top and screw down tig htly. 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 cooled--they shouldn't move at all. Store jars in a cool, dry place. They should keep for about a year. I've only be en able to keep them for a few weeks, they don't last that long around here. The y're wonderful for last minute gifts, especially for single friends.