Gingerbread

There is something so Christmas-y about gingerbread. The smell of it baking says the holiday's are near. Thank you Loves Bakes Good Cakes

2⅓ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup shortening ⅓ cup sugar 1 cup molasses ¾ cup hot water 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ¾ tsp. salt 1 large egg

• Preheat oven to 325°F. 
• Grease and flour the bottom and sides of a 9x9x2-inch baking pan. 
• Beat all of the gingerbread ingredients with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. 
• Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl. 
• Continue to mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. 
• Pour into prepared pan. 
• Bake 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center tests clean. 
• Serve with Caramel or Lemon Sauce, if desired.