2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. dark molasses
1 c. hot water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9"x9" baking pan. Line bottom with waxed paper also. Grease paper slightly.

Sift flour with baking powder, soda, spices, salt and set aside.

In a mixing bowl of electric mixer, at medium speed, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat until very light. Mix molasses with hot water.

At low speed, beat in the flour mixture alternating with molasses and water, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat just until smooth; do not over beat. Turn batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until just done. Let cool in pan, or wire rack for 5 minutes. Gently turn out. Serve warm, with or without sugar frosting. Makes 9 servings.