1/2 c. hot water
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. light molasses
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 well beaten egg
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt

Pour water over shortening; add molasses, sugar and egg. Add sifted dry ingredients; beat until smooth. Bake in greased and floured 8 inch square pan in moderate oven (350 degrees) 35 minutes. Cool in pan. Cut into squares and serve with whipped cream or the following sauce.

SAUCE:

2 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. flour
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. raisins (optional)

Melt butter and stir in flour. Add remaining ingredients. Cook until mixture boils. Serve hot over gingerbread.