This makes a great holiday gift for friends and family! Incredibly easy to make, and makes a gift that is always well received. Using different fruits and nuts you can make this recipe your own and the possibilities are limitless!

Step 1: Ingredients

2/3 Cup shortening

2 2/3 Cups white sugar

4 eggs

2 Cups mashed extra ripe bananas

2/3 of a Cup of room temp. water

3 1/3 Cups, all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

2/3 of a Cup of chopped pecans

1 can of non stick cooking spray

8 sterilized wide-mouth (important!!) canning jars, lids, and rings

Step 2: Prep Work

First, Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.

Then using your cooking spray, grease the insides of the jars you will be using.

Fairly simple so far, right? ;)

Step 3: The Fluffy Stuff!!

In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and shortening until it is creamed together, all light and fluffy!

When it is fluffy, beat in the eggs, bananas, and water.

Step 4: The Not-So-Fluffy Stuff!

In a separate bowl, Mix together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves, until well mixed.

Then combine both bowls until smooth and creamy. When combined, carefully fold in the pecans.

Step 5: Cooking

Fill the jars halfway, and cook at 325 for 45 minutes.

DO NOT PUT THE LIDS ON YET!!!

*Note : Placing the jars on a cookie sheet in the oven helps keep them from falling over.

Step 6: Canning, Sort Of.

After they have cooked for 45 minutes, carefully remove from the oven, and immediately (and carefully!) put on the lids and rings. They will seal as they cool!

Step 7: Decorating

All I did was simply make a cute label, cut a square of festive fabric and place it under the ring, and give it a rustic look by tying a simple twine bow around it. But do it however you want! The important part is, have fun!

Step 8: Realize How Awesome You Are!

You just made an awesome homemade gift! They will love it! Don't forget to take the time to "sample" one, for quality control, of course ;) You're awesome!