2 c. brown sugar
2 c. shortening
2 c. baking molasses
2 c. buttermilk or sour milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. salt
About 8 c. flour

Mix brown sugar and shortening well. Add eggs; mix. Dissolve baking soda in milk; add and mix. Add molasses. Do not stir until flour is added; add 1/2 of flour and spice, then beat well. Add rest of flour and mix well. Let cool a couple of hours. Bake in hot oven (425 degrees).