8 tbsp. butter 1 stick)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup Grandma's molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. ground cloves
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp. grated orange zest (optional)
1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350°F.

Beat butter with sugar and molasses. Mix in egg. Sift dry ingredients and add wet mixture, alternately with boiling water, until just combined.

Bake in 9X9-inch square pan for 40 minutes. Dust with confectionery sugar.

Submitted by: Charlotte Marriner