Beat shortening for 30 seconds. Add sugar & beat till well combined & light & fluffy. Dissolve molases in water & set aside. In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients. Add to the beaten sugar & shortening. Mix in the molasses. Ensure that all is well mixed. Bake in a greased loaf tin for 35 to 40 minutes at 350F. Gail Duff, "A Book of Herbs and Spices"