Our Best Gingerbread

Directions

1. 1
   Sift flour, soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt onto waxed paper. Cream shortening with sugar until fluffy in a large bowl.
2. 2
   Beat in molasses and egg.
3. 3
   Stir in flour mixture, 1/2 at a time, just until blended.
4. 4
   Beat in hot water until smooth.
5. 5
   Pour into a well greased baking pan, 13 x 9 x 2-inch.
6. 6
   Bake in a 350° oven for 30 minutes or until center springs back when lightly pressed with fingertips.
7. 7
   Leave in pan to cool on a wire rack or let cool 10 minutes; then loosen around edges with a knife and turn out onto rack.
8. 8
   Cut into big squares.
9. 9
   Serve warm or cold, plain or with a topper of your choice.