Vegan Gingerbread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Rub 9-inch square baking pan with vegetable oil, and dust with flour.
3. 3
   Sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and cloves in large bowl.
4. 4
   Beat shortening with electric mixer until smooth.
5. 5
   Gradually incorporate brown sugar and lemon zest, and beat until light and fluffy.
6. 6
   Gradually add flour mixture, and beat until smooth.
7. 7
   Combine molasses and vinegar in bowl or 4-cup heatproof measuring cup.
8. 8
   Stir 1 cup boiling water into molasses mixture.
9. 9
   Gradually stir molasses mixture into batter.
10. 10
    Pour batter into prepared pan.
11. 11
    Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until gingerbread begins to pull away from sides of pan and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
12. 12
    Cool.