Gingerbread Recipe

2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup butter or shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup hot water

Cream shortening, sugar, and egg. Blend well. Sift flour, soda, and spices together and add to creamed mixture with hot water. Mix until very smooth. Add a few raisins if desired. Bake in 350F oven 35 minutes.