OLD FASHION GINGERBREAD

Old Fashion Gingerbread image

My dad would always tell me his mother made gingerbread with hot water and that it was dense and rich with molasses. Over the years I looked for such a recipe, to no avail. Then one day I was given a book compiled by an elderly woman who recalled recipes from her childhood in Virginia, and there it was! I made one slight change, substituting shortening for lard. For gingerbread lovers, this classic version is wonderful, whether you eat it hot and dripping with butter or at room temperature.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup shortening, cubed
1 cup boiling water
2 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/2 cups molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Confectioners' sugar, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9-in. square baking pan; set aside. In a large bowl, mix butter, shortening and boiling water until smooth; cool slightly. Beat in eggs and molasses until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, ginger, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into molasses mixture. Transfer to prepared pan., Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. If desired, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 414 calories, Fat 17g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 390mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (40g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.