1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup light or dark molasses

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan.

Sift flour with baking powder, salt, soda, cinnamon, and cloves; set aside.

In medium bowl, with portable electric mixer at medium speed, beat shortening with granulated sugar until light and fluffy; beat in egg, 1/2 cup molasses, and 1/2 cup water.

At low speed, beat in flour mixture just until combined. Turn into prepared pan.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Place on wire rack. Frost while still warm.

Frosting:

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon molasses

In small bowl, with wooden spoon, cream butter with confectioners' sugar, molasses, and 1 tablespoon water; mix well. Spread frosting over surface. Cut into 2-inch bars.

Makes 2 dozen bars.