1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. dark molasses
1 egg
1/2 c. hot water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda and spices; set aside. Cream together shortening and sugar; blend in molasses. Beat in egg. Stir in 1/4 cup of flour mixture. Blend well; pour into greased and lightly floured miniature-size muffin pans. Bake for 12 minutes or until done.

Cool 5 minutes and then carefully remove from pans. Frost with your favorite butter cream frosting. Makes 3 dozen.