Stage Planks or Rock ‘n Roll Pie

Step 1

Over medium heat in a heavy aluminum pot, melt the molasses, shortening and ginger together. Blend well. When the mixture is thoroughly melted and warm, beat by hand or with a mixer for about ten minutes.

Step 2

Dissolve the baking soda in a tablespoonful of boiling water and add to the molasses mixture; mix thoroughly.

Step 3

Alternate adding the buttermilk and flour; adding the flour gradually using your judgment, adding just enough (more or less) of the three cups of the sifted flour to make a stiff batter.

Step 4

Beat thoroughly and vigorously. Grease several shallow rectangular pans; pour about 2 inches of the mixture into them and bake for ten minutes at 400 degrees. After removing from the oven, cool and cut into rectangular cookies (about 2x4 inches).