LAURA'S GINGERBREAD

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup lard or shortening
1 cup molasses mixed well with this
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup boiling water*
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, well beaten

Cream together brown sugar and shortening or lard.

Dissolve baking soda in boiling water. Mix together with the shortening mixture and molasses.

Mix spices into flour. Sift into cake mixture above and mix well. Add lastly add eggs. The mixture should be quite thin.

Bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees F) for 30 minutes.

*Be sure cup is full of water after foam is run off into cake batter.

VARIATION:
Raisins and, or, candied fruit may be added and a chocolate frosting adds to the goodness.

Source: Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie