1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1 well beaten egg

1 cup mild molasses

1 cup hot water

2 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour a 9x9x2 inch baking pan.

Combine shortening and sugar. Beat till smooth. Add egg and molasses. Mix well.

Mix dry ingredients. Add to molasses mixture, alternately, in thirds. Beat smooth after each addition.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until it springs back when tested lightly with a finger.

Cool 15 minutes before removing from pan.

Best served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Even better topped with finely chopped pecans.

I seem to be “hung up” on recipes that call for hot water.