Classic Hot-Water Gingerbread with Lemon Orange Sauce

Lemon Orange Sauce:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind
Dash of salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 generous tablespoon of mild honey or light corn syrup
1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, water

Cake:
Cooking spray
1 egg
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup dark molasses
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon ground dried ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup boiling water

1. To prepare sauce, combine granulated and brown sugars with cornstarch. Whisk in juices or mix well using your fingers. Transfer to a small nonreactive saucepan.
2. Place over medium heat. Whisk in lemon and orange rind, salt, butter, honey and water. Bring to a boil; cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and translucent. Serve warm with gingerbread.
3. Preheat oven to 350F. Coat an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.
4. To prepare cake, beat egg and brown sugar together in a medium bowl; add molasses, butter, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt.
5. Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda (there’s no need to sift). Add to egg mixture and whisk in boiling water. The batter will be quite thin.
6. Pour into pan, and bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool at least 20 minutes in the pan before serving. Serve in bowls with warm Lemon-Orange Sauce. Serves 6 to 8.

Recipe by Crescent Dragonwagon, Relish Classic Dishes, “King of Cakes,” December 2007.