Name: Chocolate-Praline Cake in a Jar
Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups sifted cake flour; 2/3 cup sour cream; 2/3 cup brewed coffee (I just use the morning's leftover coffee); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup pecan halves or pieces; Ten to twelve 1/2-pint canning jars; Rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan

Image may contain Food Dessert Chocolate Cookie and Biscuit

Chocolate-Praline Cake in a JarCookbook cover image courtesy of Random House

For a few years now I've been a judge at the Whirlpool Accubake Unique Cake Contest, which is similar to the Pillsbury Bake-Off. A chocolate cake with a pecan and butterscotch toffee topping called Chocolate Coffee Toffee Cake by Elizabeth Kirsch from Pennsylvania won first place in 2002 and the $10,000 prize, which she donated to Heifer International. Elizabeth told me she made her cakes in glass canning jars and would tuck one into her husband's business trip luggage so he wouldn't miss his favorite cake while he was out of town. This simplified version of her cake would be perfect to take to a picnic or even a backyard barbecue

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.