I saw the idea of cakes in a jar at Angry Chicken in December. That is such a cute way to package little cakes. I couldn't really think of a reason to make them, but would glance longingly at the mason jars in the stores. I offered to make dessert for a family gathering this week and thought these would be perfect.
I washed the half pint jars (little squatty jars) and oiled the inside surfaces. I poured about a third cup of batter into each jar, baked at 350 degrees for (?) 20 minutes? Oh so cute. I wasn't worried about shelf life or sealing the jars, so I layered on milk chocolate ganache as a topping.
I cut a circle of pink patterned paper to dress up the tops. These would make precious little Valentine's surprises for children. As I was drizzling - nay pouring, ganache over the cakes, I made up my mind to eat all twelve and gain 20-30 pounds overnight. In the end, I couldn't even finish one, they were so decadent. Ideally, I would bake them in four ounce jars. I know I used 4 ounce jars for canning as a teenager, but haven't found them in any stores. Perhaps this summer - for a picnic - can you imagine how fun? With red gingham paper toppers? !!!
I completely love this idea and cannot believe it never occurred to me to try such a thing. The internet is a wonderful thing. I can see Linus and Lucy (and two children to be named later) reminiscing one day (think A Time to Keep: The Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays
Cute, yummy-looking and clever!
Posted by: Eileen | February 12, 2008 at 08:48 PM
I saw those on Angry Chicken too and swooned over them then. Yours are so completely darling!! What kind of a cake did you make?? Just a plain yellow cake? The ganache looks fabulous.
Posted by: Becca | February 12, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Those are absolutely precious!!!
Posted by: Dana | February 13, 2008 at 01:46 AM
Those might just be the cutest thing ever! I'm tempted to run out and buy the supplies to make for our upcoming home school co-op Valentine's party... If I can ask an ignorant question: what's ganache?
Posted by: michelle waters | February 13, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Cute, cute, cute!!! What a great idea. The internet is such a wonderful resource.
And, what's with the cryptic "and two children to be named later"? :)
Posted by: KC | February 13, 2008 at 06:38 AM
I love them! You always inspire with the sweetest ideas, Jen.
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | February 13, 2008 at 07:26 AM
So cute! What a great idea.
Posted by: Amy | February 13, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Oh my goodness those look delicious! Ina would be jealous! I love ganache--particularly now that I can't have chocolate... I don't think I can rationalize St. Valentine's as a feastday to break my fast or giving up of chocolate... Something to look forward to at Easter! Thanks, Jen!
Posted by: J.C. | February 13, 2008 at 07:59 AM
I love this idea!!! I saw it back in December also, but had forgotten all about it. Thanks for the oh so lovely reminder!
Posted by: Alice C | February 13, 2008 at 08:50 PM
What two children to be named later? Are you holding out on us, and pregnant with twins?
Posted by: theotherbear | February 14, 2008 at 12:53 AM
I made these up yesterday and surprised the kids with them this morning to take in their lunches. They were happy children. Thanks for the idea. By the way I bought a dozen of those little canning jars a couple years ago to make raspberry jelly and we ate the raspberries before I made the jelly and have been wondering what to do with the jars ever since. Perfect!
Smiles!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 14, 2008 at 07:25 AM
What a gorgeous idea!!!! They look great...
Posted by: Jodie | February 14, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Those are so cute! I would never have the ambition to make them, but they are so cute.
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | February 16, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Jenn, I made a yellow cake today and yep, poured the ganache on top!!! Delicious!!! What doesn't get eaten today goes into the freezer for next Sunday. :)
Posted by: Cheryl M. | February 17, 2008 at 04:26 PM