My mother grew up on Ann Street in Willimantic. Some of her fondest memories are of hopping the slow moving freight trains for rides through town and of rivalries with the kinds from the "wrong wide" of the tracks. Despite these near delinquent beginnings (only kidding Ma) she makes the very best warm-your-heart, melt-in-your mouth gingerbread with this recipe.

Put the following ingredients into a large bowl: 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. allspice 1 tsp. ginger 1/2 c. shortening 1/2 c. sugar 2 eggs 1/4 c. molasses 3/4 c. hot water

Mix these ingredients by hand with a large spoon 100 strokes or just until well mixed. Pour the batter into a greased 8x8 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve the cooled gingerbread with chilled freshly whipped cream.

P. S.: Only real whipped cream does this dessert justice.