2 1/4 cups all-purpose or cake flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup dark molasses
3/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 9x9x2-inches square pan.

Measure all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Blend 1/2 minute on low speed, and 3 minutes at medium speed, stopping mixer to scrape down sides of bowl often. Pour into greased pan.

Bake 50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean.

Serve warm, if desired, with whipping cream or applesauce.