Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9” square pan

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the egg, then the apple sauce and finally the molasses.

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in the hot water. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check at 45 minutes to see if it’s done. Allow to cool in pan.

Stir the confectioners’ sugar. In a heavy saucepan heat the butter, cocoa and ginger ale. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the confectioners’ sugar. Pour the frosting over the gingerbread until it’s spread evenly over the top.