My mom's recipe for gingerbread:

2-1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
3/4 c. very warm water
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
1 large egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 325F. Grease and flour a 9X9 baking pan. Beat all
ingredients together in a large bowl using a mixer on low speed for 30
seconds, scraping sides of the bowl constantly. Beat on medium speed for 3
minutes. Pour batter into pan. Bake about 50 minutes or until a toothpick
inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.

My addition for whipped topping:

2 c. chilled whipping cream
1/4 c. clover honey
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Beat all ingredients together in a well chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
Refrigerate 1 hour before
serving.

Jill