1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. molasses
1 egg
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. buttermilk or 1/2 c. sweet milk with 1/3 tsp. baking soda

Cream butter with sugar; add molasses and egg; beat thoroughly. Add baking soda to buttermilk; sift flour with spices and salt. Add flour and buttermilk alternately to first mixture; turn into buttered 7 x 11 inch pan and bake in a moderate oven, 375 degrees, for about 25 minutes. A sprinkling of sugar over top gives a delicate crust. Serve hot with whipped cream or Cool Whip.