2 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt (omit if using self-rising flour)
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. shortening
1 egg
1 c. hot water

Cream the shortening and sugar; add beaten egg. Combine molasses and hot water. Sift flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Add dry ingredients to the liquid a little at a time, beating each addition until it is smooth.

Bake in a 9x9x2 inch lined pan in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or divide into 2 smaller pans and bake 20-25 minutes. Serve with ice cream, Cool Whip, Nutmeg Sauce, or just plain.

NUTMEG SAUCE:

1 c. brown sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. boiling water in saucepan

Combine dry ingredients. Use a little boiling water to mix the ingredients. Add to the 1 cup of boiling water on stove. Stir until thickened. Add the butter and vanilla.