1/2 c  Soft shortening

      2 T  Sugar

      1 ea Egg

      1 c  Dark New Orleans molasses

           -(blackstrap)
      1 c  Boiling water

  2 1/4 c  Sifted Gold Medal flour

      1 t  (baking) soda

    1/2 t  Salt

      1 t  Ginger

      1 t  Cinnamon

  Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
  Mix shortening, sugar, and egg together thoroughly.  Blend in molasses
  and water.  Sift flour, soda, salt, and spices together and stir in,
  beating until smooth.  Pour into well-greased and floured 9-inch square
  pan.  Bake at 325 degrees (F) for 45 to 50 minutes.  Cut into 3-inch
  squares in pan.  Keep hot and serve piping hot with sweetened whipped
  cream or applesauce.