COOK'S OLD-FASHIONED GINGERBREAD

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with waxed paper; set aside.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.

In a large mixer bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.

In a small bowl, mix the molasses and hot water together. Add the flour mixture and the molasses mixture alternately to the creamed sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees about 45 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve topped with whipped cream, if desired.

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