GINGERBREAD
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter flavored vegetable shortening
1 egg
1 cup hot water
3/4 cup molasses
Whipped cream (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan with shortening; dust with flour. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and cloves. In a large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, and shortening. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add egg; beat until combined. Add hot water and molasses; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat until combined. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Top each piece of gingerbread with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Makes 16 servings.
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