GINGERBREAD

½ cup sugar ½ cup shortening 1 cup molasses 1 egg, beaten 1 cup boiling water, measured in a 2-cup or  larger measuring cup 2 ½ cups flour 1 tsp each: ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and  ground cloves ½ tsp salt 1 ½ tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x9 inch baking pan.   Blend sugar and shortening and mix in molasses.    Add egg.    Add the baking soda to boiling water and mix well.    Combine the flour and spices and sift.    Combine the sugar-molasses mixture with the    flour mixture and the baking soda/water liquid.    Mix ingredients well and pour into prepared pan.    Bake for 45 minutes or until cake tester   inserted in center comes out clean.    Best served with warm applesauce.