It’s funny how certain scents and aromas can transport you back in time and remind you of something that happened years ago when you were a child. The fall season, with it’s wonderful spicy aromas, really seems to take you back to those bygone days filled with special family desserts.
For example, when I smell cinnamon, it reminds me of rainy fall days when I would run from my school bus stop at the top of the hill, down our long driveway and through the woods and then open the front door to the fragrant aroma of my mom baking cookies or my favorite gingerbread.
Back then, Mom bought sorghum in what looked like a quart-size can of paint and she’d keep it on hand to make gingerbread, in case she ran out of a bottle of Brer Rabbit molasses, which she preferred.
She slathered the top of the gingerbread with a thin lemon glaze made of powdered sugar, a little butter, vanilla and fresh-squeezed lemon juice. It was just enough to add a bit of tartness to the sweet gingerbread. And, oh, was it delicious!
This recipe for Mom’s Gingerbread is a quick and easy dessert. It’s delicious just plain, but if you add a squirt of whipped topping, it makes an extra-special treat to brighten any dreary, rainy day.
MOM’S GINGERBREAD
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses (or sorghum)
1 1/2 cups sifted flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup boiling water
Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar to 1/2 cup shortening, creaming till light. Add one egg and 1/2 cup molasses; beat thoroughly.
Sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon soda, 1/2 teaspoon ginger and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add to creamed mixture alternately with 1/2 cup boiling water, beating after each addition.
Bake in well-greased 8-by-8-by-2-inch (or similar size) pan in 350-degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until done when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Note: If you wish to add the lemon glaze, let cake cool about 15 minutes and spread glaze over gingerbread while still warm.
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