Rich, Soft Ginger Bread

This recipe comes from a book published for a church many years ago.  There
is no copyright listed in the book.  A note states that the recipe is from a
1932 book, "The Parker Cookbook"  I made a batch tonight and they are as the
Subject says.  They are a lot like chocolate so if you cannot eat chocolate,
try these.  If anyone knows how hot a "slow oven" is, let me know.  I
believe this term referred to a wood fueled oven.  I suggest 350 degrees.
Eagle1HQ

Rich, Soft Ginger Bread

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup molasses
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp  cloves
1 cup boiling water
2 tsp soda
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Cream sugar with shortening.  Beat in molasses, ginger cinnamon and cloves.
Then add soda that has been dissolved in the boiling water and flour sifted
with baking powder and salt.  Pour above mixed ingredients into well greased
pan and bake 45 minutes in a slow oven.

Source:

rec.food.cooking, rec.food.recipes