Gingerbread

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

½ cup molasses

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup water

1 Tablespoon finely chopped crystalized ginger

¾ teaspoon salt

¾ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350.  Generously grease 8” square baking dish.

Cream butter & sugar until fluffy.  Add egg, molasses and beat thoroughly.  Sift flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and ginger together.  Boil water (be sure to measure after boiling so you get the full ½ cup and some of it doesn’t boil away).  Alternate flour and boiling water to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.  Pour into prepared baking dish.  Bake  for about 35 – 40 minutes, or until done.  Let cool completely before topping with whipped cream.

Maple whipped cream:

Put bowl and beaters in fridge to chill.  Add 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup.  Beat for a couple of minutes, then add 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar.  Beat until medium peaks form.  Add to piping bag and swirl on top of gingerbread.  You can add granola, or chopped nuts on top of whipping cream for extra texture.