1/4 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. molasses
1 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1/2 c. water
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Mix together shortening, sugar, egg, molasses and soda in water. Sift together remaining ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Cool and frost with powdered sugar frosting.