I posted this on a couple other sites I frequent and thought some of you might like it.
Ever wish that you didn't have a whole pie in order to have just a slice or two? Or how about cakes and other desserts. I have a book called "Small Batch Baking" that is full of recipes that only serve two or three. The small batch frosting recipes are great. No fancy "mini" pans to buy as she uses cans for the pans. The down side is that you are baking small amounts with nothing to tuck into the freezer. Which is fine if you either don't want to freeze or have the stuff hanging around calling to you from the depths of the deep freeze.
http://www.amazon.com/Small-Batch-Bakin ... 0761130357 (for the frugal readers... check out the prices of the USED books!)
But you don't have to buy a book to get small batch recipes. I also frequent food forums and recipes sites. I was cruising thru various forums and doing searches when I came across this link.
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/sin ... n-jar.html
Do a search for "Pie Jar" and you will come up with several links. I use the short squat canning jars as storage containers for leftovers so I tend to have them on hand. But to have single serve pies just tucked away in the freezer sounds great. No leftovers, just pop in the tiny RV oven or in a toaster oven/convection oven and you have fresh baked pies. Many of the recipes in the Small Batch baking book will work with the canning jars both short squat 1/2 pints and the taller pints, just make sure you are buying the WIDEMOUTH. You can now buy one piece plastic lids for use when freezing. I like baking in canning jars, especially in the RV since it means I don't have the empty cans like used in "Small Batch Baking" hanging around as the canning jars do double duty as storage jars.
And of course one thing leads to another...
How about baking cake in a jar? A search for "Cake Jars" will also turn up several sites as well.
http://baking.about.com/od/giftideas/ss ... rcakes.htm
Even... Bread baked in a jar! (Search "Bread in a jar")
Banana Nut bread in a jar
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/banana-nu ... etail.aspx
12 pages on cooks.com for various breads in a jar
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,b ... ar,FF.html
A note: these breads that are baked in the jars are not shelf stable. They must be frozen if you are not going to eat them before the week is out.
For those who are having a hard time finding the canning jars, try asking on Freecycle or Craigslist. Many farm supply stores, Tru Value and ACE hardware stores keep jars on hand year round. Also the holidays are hot for "gifts in a jar" so you may try hobby/craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels.
Just ask anyone...
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