Granny's Gingerbread

1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. butter
1 egg
1 C. molasses (mild)
1/4 C. applesauce
2 1/2 C. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 C. hot water
Whipped Cream (optional)
Powdered Sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream sugar and butter, add egg and mix well. Add molasses and applesauce--mix well. Add dry ingredients and spices--mix well. Add hot water--mix well. Pour into greased and floured bunt pan (don't cheat with cooking spray!). Bake 45 minutes cool in pan before turning out onto a plate. Serve with whipped cream, applesauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Tastes better on the second or third day as flavors mingle.
(Smells just like Christmas!)

Recipe from the Book Lemon Tart.

Isn't word per word.
This was pretty dense. It could have used a leavening agent. Such as 1 Tbsp. baking powder in with the flour. It was really good though.