Gingerbread

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter (can replace half with applesauce)
1 egg
1 cup molasses (can replace half with pumpkin)
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3 tsp cinnamon
3 tsp ginger
1 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup hot water (can use orange juice)
Cream sugar and butter.  Add egg and molasses.  Add dry ingredients and blend.  Stir in hot water.  Pour into greased 9 in. square pan.  bake at 350 degrees for 30 min to 1 hour.  Cool in pan before serving.
Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, vanilla sauce, cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, lemon or orange sauce....