#1767 - Ginger Bread

(by Shirley McNevich)

1/2 cup Crisco shortening
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup Brer rabbit green label molasses
2 cups sifted flour (measure before sifting)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
3/4 cup buttermilk
Topping: 1 TBSP melted butter; 3 TBSP white sugar; 2 TBSP orange zest; 1/2 cup chopped nuts

In a mixer add Crisco, 1/2 cup white sugar and egg--beat. Add molasses--beat. Add baking powder, baking soda, salt and ginger--beat. Add buttermilk--beat. Slowly add flour--beat. Pour batter into a greased 8" square cake pan. In a bowl add melted butter, 3 TBSP white sugar, orange zest and chopped nuts--stir. Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the cake pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-40 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.