Ingredients

• 2-3/4  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  Tbsp. ground ginger
• 1  tsp. baking soda
• 1  tsp. baking powder
• 1  tsp. ground black pepper (optional)
• 1/2  tsp. salt
• 1/4  tsp. ground cloves
• 1  cup full-flavored molasses
• 2  Tbsp. butter, melted
• 2  Tbsp. butter
• 1/4  cup fresh peeled ginger, cut into slivers
• 1/2  cup butter, softened
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  cup chopped bittersweet chocolate
• 1  recipe Simmered Oranges (recipe below)
•   Chopped crystallized ginger

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In bowl combine flour, ground ginger, baking soda, baking powder, pepper, salt and cloves; set aside. In a small bowl combine molasses, 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons melted butter; set aside.

2. In 12-inch oven-going skillet cook and stir 2 tablespoons butter and slivered ginger over medium heat just until butter is melted. Remove from heat; set aside.

3. In mixing bowl beat the 1/2 cup butter on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating 1 minute after each. Alternately beat in flour mixture and molasses mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until combined. Stir in chocolate. Pour batter over butter-ginger mixture in hot skillet.

4. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in skillet on rack 30 minutes (center may dip slightly). Serve warm topped with whipped cream, Simmered Oranges, and crystallized ginger. Makes 12 to 16 servings.

5. Simmered Oranges: Slice 4 oranges crosswise about 14 inch thick. Discard seeds. In 12-inch skillet over medium heat bring 1-12 cups sugar, and 14 cup each water, orange juice, and lemon juice to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until syrupy. Add orange slices. Return to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 3 minutes or just until oranges are tender, turning occasionally. Transfer to serving bowl. Cool. Serve with Chocolate Gingerbread