Miniature Pies Baked in Canning Jars

By

wondernana

Did this post come with a picture? My PC is not showing one, and I am having a hard time visualizing how this might work.

By

gotaspellonyou2

What a great idea for live alones like me. I am a pie junkie but usually end the month with a couple of pies that are horribly gone by. You know the ones, sort of hard and rubbery around the crust edge. Yuck. This idea lets you freeze multiples for fresh baked pies the month through! Awesome idea! I will vote for you for sure!

By

imagalady

I have cooked lots of cakes in jars. I sent them to my son in Iraq. They were perfect. I saved a few back and kept them for a year. When I opened them they were as fresh as the day I baked them. I put them in the microwave for just long enough to heat them, and they were awesome.

By

ecantrell

How long are the pies good for once baked and sealed? Also do you have to freeze them first or can you just make and bake?

Thanks!

By

NancyLC

My girls do something similar they recycle tuna cans and bake in them, cooling, placing ice cream, then freezing them for a summer treat. A lot cheaper than buying and you get your own flavor.

By

Deeli

It's still a cute idea, April, so don't worry about it!

Tigra posted the comment about contacting the Mason jar company. Here's Jarden Home Brands (Ball Mason jars) information:

Glass raw materials are heated to 2300 to 2950 degrees C to make glass so the jar will not soften at 550 C. However, we do not recommend baking cakes in home canning jars for the following reasons:

1. Variable heat in the oven could cause jar breakage.

2. Food located in the center of the jar does not always reach safe internal temperatures

3. The possibility of damage to the sealing compound is high in the oven.

While foods may be fully cooked in the jars, they are not safe for shelf storage. Jarden Home Brands does not feel sufficient research has been completed in this area and does not endorse the baking procedure.

And using ramekins is an excellent idea for mini-pies for sure, April :-)

Deeli :-)

By

tigra

You can bake cakes to can in the oven in jars my grandma used to do it all the time. You bake the cake at 350 than take it out put a lid on it and it seals, or you can put the lid on before putting it in the oven and it will seal. Canning jars have to withstand the pressure cooker too which is different than just plain boiling water. This is probably perfectly safe as long as your jar is free from defects which is why you are supposed to check for defects every time before using a jar. Hope this helps. I wouldn't bake it higher than 350 though.

By

Cali's Mom

Sorry ya'll. Cute idea, but apparently the canning jars do pose a problem. I guess you could use oven-safe ramekins instead of jars. April

By

MarieClaire

Brilliant! Regarding the safety of this glass - maybe we cook the little pies at a heat lower than the usual 350 - 400 degrees? Has anyone had the time to call the Mason or Ball Jar people? They surely would know if this is safe. I still say this is a great idea!

By

Deeli

Very clever and unique idea but I am also wondering if the mason jars can withstand that amount of oven heat because they just aren't the same composition and thickness of glass as a glass baking dish is and canning is done in boiling water which is 212 degrees.

By

Indianone

I am not sure but I don't think this is safe to do. Couldn't jars explode or something in oven if jar has a defect or unseen crack?

By

Luvyabye

What a neat idea! Thanx, April!