Preparation:
Preheat oven at 325. Place a baking sheet onto middle rack and remove top
rack from oven. Before starting batter, wash jars, lids, and rings in hot
soapy water and let drain, dry, and cool to room temperature. Generously
prepare inside of jars with margarine. To prepare batter, combine flour,
sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a
mixing bowl. In another mixing bowl, combine margarine, water and
molasses. Divide batter among 5 jars (should be slightly less than half
full). Carefully wipe rims clean, then place jars on baking sheet (or
they'll tip over) in the center of oven. Bake 40 minutes. Keep lids in
hot water until they're used. When cakes are done, remove jars which are
HOT from oven one at a time. If rims need cleaning, use moistened paper
towel. Carefully put lids and rings in place, then screw tops on tightly
shut. Place jars on a wire rack; they will seal as they cool.
Once jars are cool, decorate with round pieces of cloth and then glue on
flowers, ribbons, etc. on lid, ring and side of jar. Unscrew the ring (the
lid should be sealed by now) and place a few cotton balls on top of the lid
(makes it poofy on top), then a piece of cloth (about 3" larger than the
lid) on top and screw the ring back on. Decorate as desired (example
pinking shea |
