The smell of molasses always reminds me of my mom for a couple of reasons. The first is that she used to give me a spoon of molasses (or two...) when I had a cough. The second is this recipe.

GrammaDonna's Gingerbread

½ cup shortening

½ cup sugar

2 eggs

2 ½ cups flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cloves

1 cup molasses

1 cup boiling water

Cream the shortening, and add the sugar gradually. Add the beaten eggs, and then the previously sifted dry ingredients alternately with the molasses and water. Beat enough to mix. Pour into a well greased 9 X 13 baking pan.

Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

Serve with fresh whipped cream.