GINGERBREAD

INGREDIENTS

8 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup mild molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice, optional
1 cup boiling water, divided



DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 9x5" loaf pan. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and all-spice (if using). Set aside.

3. In a large bowl and with a hand mixer at medium speed, mix together butter, sugar, and molasses. Mix in egg. Switch hand mixer to low and add 1/2 cup boiling water. Add dry mixture all at once and mix until just incorporated. Add remaining 1/2 cup boiling water and mix until fully blended, but don't overbeat.

4. Pour into prepared pan and bake on bottom rack for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes in pan before removing and allowing to cool on a cooling rack. Serve. Store at room temperature.