1 c. molasses
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. boiling water
1 egg
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. allspice
3 1/2 c. flour

Combine molasses and sugar, mix well. Add next 9 ingredients in order, mixing well. Pour into greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pan. Frost with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, if desired.

LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

4 oz. cream cheese
1/4 c. butter
2 c. sifted powdered sugar
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
1/2 tsp. lemon extract

Combine cream cheese and butter, beating until light and fluffy. Add sugar and beat well. Stir in lemon rind and extract.