Mom's Gingerbread

This recipe comes from my sister-in-law Kathleen Foley Cornwell. 
She says "This is as good as I remember it from when were young."

Paul says it is one of his Mom's favorite recipes. 

1/2 cup melted shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup hot water
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon salt

Cream sugar and shortening.  Add molasses and beat.  Stir baking soda into hot water then add to molasses and beat.

Sift flour, baking powder, spices and salt.  Add to mixture and beat well. 
Add well beaten eggs.

Beat thoroughly and pour into greased pan 8 x 12 x 2.
    (I think mine is 8 x 11 1/2).

Bake in moderate oven (I did 350) from 30 to 45 minutes (I did 35) or until it leaveds side of pan.

Serve hot or cold (I put in the refrigerator after first cut..yum!) 

Extra special with fresh whipped cream.