Chocolate Shortcakes (Gift Mix in a Jar)

Gift jar directions at bottom of the recipe - add onto a recipe card and attach to the gift! Or skip the gift making and indulge yourself with this treat!! NOTE: This recipe is to be prepared one QUART size wide mouth canning jar and will yield 12 shortcakes.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 shortcakes

Ingredients

• JAR Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 2  cups cake flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2⁄3 cup cocoa powder

• ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (to be added by the recipient)

• 1 1⁄2 cups buttermilk
• 2  eggs
• 1⁄2 cup solid shortening (Crisco)
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Creating the Gift in a Jar:
2. Wash and thoroughly dry a 1-quart wide-mouth canning jar.
3. Loosely layer the ingredients in the jar as listed above starting with the sugar, cake flour, salt, baking soda and then cocoa powder - making each layer as level as possible without pressing it down.
4. Secure the lid and decorate as desired; attach the instructions for making these shortcakes found below.
5. CHOCOLATE SHORTCAKES GIFT TAG:
6. Additional ingredients to be added by the recipient: 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup solid shortening (Crisco) and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
7. CHOCOLATE SHORTCAKES INSTRUCTIONS:
8. Preheat oven to 350.
9. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, shortneing and extract; blend with electric mixer set on low speed for 30 seconds.
10. Add the contents of the jar and continue to blend for 3 minutes.
11. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 baking pan.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
13. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares and topping with strawberries and whipped cream.
14. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.