Irish Gingerbread

Who knew?  The Irish love gingerbread!  This was my grandmother's recipe.
Ingredients - Makes 16.
2 tbsp butter for greasing the pan
2  & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 & 1/2 tsps ground ginger (if using fresh grated - 1 tbsp)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
​1/2 cup butter for cake
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey 
1/2 cup molasses
3/4 cup milk
​1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup (golden or regular raisins)
whipped cream or powdered sugar for serving
Picture
Steps
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350° F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.  (If using fresh ginger add later.)
  3. Put butter, sugar, molasses, honey, and milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat.  Stir constantly until butter is melted and all is combined, but do NOT boil.  Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a separate large bowl, beat egg, gradually adding sugar and butter mixture. 
  5. Stir in flour mixture, raisins, (and fresh ginger, if using).
  6. Pour batter into greased 9 in. x 9 in. pan.
  7. Bake in pre-heated 350°F oven for about 50 minutes.  You may want to check it at 45 minutes.  It's done when a knife or toothpick is inserted in center and comes out fairly clearn.
  8. Cool completely before cutting.
  9. To serve, top with whipped cream or dust with confectioner's sugar.