Gingerbread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. butter or margarine
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. Brer Rabbit molasses
1 c. hot water

Preparation

Cream shortening and sugar.
Add beaten egg.
Measure and sift dry ingredients.
Mix molasses with hot water.
Add dry ingredients alternately with liquid, a little at a time, beating well after each addition.
Bake in paper lined or greased 11 x 7-inch pan at 350\u00b0 for 40 to 45 minutes.
Top with chocolate icing, if desired.