1 c. sugar
1/3 c. shortening
1 egg
1/2 c. molasses
2 tsp. baking soda
4 tbsp. hot water
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
3 1/4 c. flour

Cream sugar and shortening. Thoroughly mix in egg and molasses. Dissolve soda in hot water. Sift all dry ingredients; add alternately with soda and hot water to creamed mixture. Spread on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool. Frost with powdered sugar icing. Cut into squares or bars.