Gingerbread Muffins

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups sifted flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 egg, beaten
1 cup dark molasses
1 cup hot water

Cream the sugar and shortening, add sifted dry ingredients alternately with the egg, molasses and hot water. Beat until smooth. Bake in small, well greased muffin tins. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.