Old Fashioned Gingerbread

2 C. all-purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1 1/2 t. ground ginger

1 t. ground cinnamon

1/4 t. ground cloves

1/2 t. salt

1/2 C. butter, softened

3/4 C. packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 C. molasses (not blackstrap)

1 C. hot water

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Sift together flour, baking soda, spices and salt into a bowl.

Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at moderately high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in molasses. (Batter may look separated.)

Mix in flour mixture at low speed, then water, mixing until batter is smooth, about 1 minute.

Pour batter into a buttered 9-inch square metal baking pan (2 inches deep).

Bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack, about 20 minutes, then serve warm.

Makes 9 servings.